Myanmar activists abduct Chinese mine workers

Two Chinese workers at a controversial copper mine in Burma have been kidnapped by activists opposed to the project, the mining company said.

A statement from the Wanbao Mining Company said the two men, who work for a sub-contractor, were taken on Sunday as they attempted to survey land.

A Burmese colleague who was also taken with them was later released.

The controversial Letpadaung mine has been the scene of violent confrontations in the past.

"Wanbao vehemently condemns this unprovoked attack on our colleagues," the company said in a statement.

The activists are said to be from the Student Network of Mandalay group, AFP news agency said, citing the company statement.

The two Chinese men were apparently beaten and threats were made to kill them if work on the copper mine was not halted.

Both men are 23 years old, AFP said, adding that the mine operates out of Monywa town in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

There was an attempt on Sunday night to free the two Chinese men, several sources told the BBC.

Tear gas was reportedly fired in the village before police pulled back. Police in the area were not immediately available to comment.

Many of the local villagers claim they were unfairly forced to give up their land, the BBC's Jonah Fisher in Myanmar said, to make way for the mining project.