Two Chinese workers of a Myanmar copper mine were set free on Monday after being kidnapped for more than 30 hours by local activists.

The release came after government officials negotiated with villagers who wanted back the land that was being taken from them as part of joint venture.

The two Chinese nationals working in the controversial copper mine in Myanmar were reported to have been kidnapped by monks and activists. The monks threatened to kill the two miners, according to the copper mine company conducting the project in the country.

Like Us on Facebook

China-backed copper mine company Wanbao operates in northwestern Myanmar in a town called Monywa. The company said that activists kidnapped their 23 year old workers and demanded a total stop of the project in the Letpadaung mine.

The kidnapping was said to have been triggered by questions raised over the reliance of Myanmar on Chinese investments in the country. The mining has sparked opposing views from locals who said land grabbing has been going on, displacing people and causing damage to the environment.

The mine project, a venture between the Myanmar army and the Chinese copper firm, has become a rallying point for public opposition in the country.

Wanbao Mining Company said in a statement that the company condemns the kidnapping of two of their men. The company also called for the immediate release of the captives.

The activists responsible for the kidnapping identified themselves to be a part of the Student Network of Mandalay group, according to a statement from the company as reported by AFP.

The two Chinese nationals were reported to have been beaten and threatened with death if the mining project was not stopped.

The Myanmar national who was also kidnapped was later released. Meanwhile, sources told BBC News that there was an attempt to free the two Chinese nationals on Sunday night before they were released on Monday.

TagsMyanmar, Kidnapping, Wanbao Mining Company