Security agencies have been authorized to arrest and prosecute manufacturers of equipment use for illegal small scale mining. Government believes if they can halt the manufacturing of the machines, the illegal miners will be incapable of plying their trade. This is one of several measures by the state to address illegal mining operations which continue to destroy the environment and claim lives. Seventeen illegal miners died on Monday when a mining concession on which they were working, caved in. Owner of the mining pit and a chief are being pursued to assist the police in their investigations. Meanwhile, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Inusah Fuseini tells Joy Business the Minerals Commission has been instructed to help with the exercise.