An explosive protest underground in Italy

Dozens of miners barricade themselves with explosives underground at Italy's only coal mine.

As many as 30 Sardinian miners armed with hundreds of kilograms of explosives are trying to put pressure on Rome to keep the mine open.

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) FEMALE MINER SAYING:

"I think anyone would have protested like us, anyone who is close to losing their job is prepared to do anything. It is really serious, everything is closing in this country. It feels like the end of the world."

The mine has a history of protests. It was occupied in 1984, 1993 and 1995, when protesting workers stayed in a tunnel for 100 days.