Protestors from the Extinction Rebellion (XR) campaign occupied the Aberpergwm mine on Sunday (July 10). Environmental activists wearing white hazmat suits climbed onto roofs and set off flares, while others padlocked themselves to buildings. 

Dozens of demonstrators had entered the mine near Glynneath at 3pm.

"We have occupied the #Aberpergwm coal mine. Because the mine extension would release an extra 100 million tonnes of co2 during a #ClimateEmergency," the XR_Cymru Twitter account announced. 

A judge decided last week that the Welsh Government and UK Coal Authority will face a legal challenge over the expansion of Aberpergwm coal mine.

The legal challenge, brought by the climate change group Coal Action Network (CAN), relates to the granting of an expansion license that will see a further forty million tonnes of coal extracted from the Neath site over the next twenty years.

Both the Welsh Government and the Coal Authority say that they were unable to prevent the expansion from going ahead - claims which CAN dispute, and will now be tested at a judicial review.

XR has accused the Welsh and UK governments of "pointing the finger of blame at each other" in failing to intervene on the expansion of the mine. 

WalesOnline reported that some protesters left at 9pm last night whereas others said they would stay on site all night. 

More to follow.