Climate change protestors have been arrested at a Canterbury mine near Coalgate.

Activists from Extinction Rebellion blocked the access road into Bathurst Resources’ Canterbury coal mine from 4.30AM.

A police spokeswoman told Chris Lynch, a number of protesters have been arrested after chaining themselves to machinery in the mine pit area.

She said they have now been removed from the mine pit area.

The police spokeswoman said “while police recognise the lawful right to protest, our priority is to ensure safety and uphold the law.”

“In this instance it has not been safe for the protesters to be in this area.”

Police will remain at the site and will continue to respond appropriately to any issues that may arise.