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Operators of illegal mining (galamsey) say the frequent collapse of pits, resulting in loss of human lives, has spiritual undertones. According to them, anytime galamsey pits collapse and kill people, surrounding pits in the area produce more minerals. Speaking to The Finder, galamsey operators in the Wassa area in the Western Region blamed the recent pit collapse that claimed six lives on spiritual causes. A galamsey operator, Daniel Atibuga described the recent collapse as ritual killing, saying some operators build their activities on spiritual powers. He alleged that anytime incidents of that magnitude occur, minerals would show up at the various pits in the area. "All the miners are aware that the minerals require blood, and when incidents like this happen, they get more discoveries," he said. Another miner, Mr Emmanuel Tibo explained that many of the youth engaged in the illegal mining activities have been very careful in associating with people they do not know well or trust. "Oh, as for this business of mining, we all know the length at which some people can go in search of the minerals. If you allow yourself you could easily be sacrificed," he lamented. He said because the industry, and for that matter the activities of people, is not governed by any regulation, operators take advantage to employ all manner of tactics to get rich quickly. "Some of our colleagues would come here and within a short period they hit the jackpot, but if you understand what is beneath, you would not be surprised. So incidents like what happened last week call for questions," he said. Mr Tibo explained that whenever it happens, it ends there, because nobody has proof, saying Ghanaians would usually blame the illegal miners for not being careful in observing safety measures, but there is more to the story than the eye can see, he reiterated. Last week, Emmanuel Tetteh, Frank Oppong, Kwesi Barimah, Daga, Kwadwo Mireku, and Papa Kwame Anyini passed on after a mine pit they were exploring caved in. Only Kofi Ayensu survived after a rescue team had rushed to their aid. The issue is currently under police investigation.