The discovery included gold bars, coins and nuggets with an estimated value of about 9 million euros. Workers immediately reported the find to police, who secured the treasure while authorities investigate its origin and determine who legally owns it.

The first worker to spot the treasure initially mistook the gold for ordinary metal before more bars and coins emerged as excavation continued. Under Belgian law, anyone with a valid ownership claim has five years to come forward. If no owner is identified, the courts will determine how the treasure is ultimately distributed.