Belgian Construction Crew Discovers $10.4 Million in Gold During Sewer Project

Workers in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, a Flemish municipality near Brussels, stumbled upon approximately $10.4 million in gold this week while excavating beneath a former brewery to install new sewerage lines. Local authorities responded immediately to the discovery, securing the precious metals in a high-security federal vault after cataloging the find.

Eighteen-year-old worker Kobe initially mistook the gold pieces for 1 Euro coins when they first emerged from the ground during foundation removal. The crew experienced shock and disbelief at the moment of discovery, with workers continuing to unearth additional coins and bars as they expanded their excavation.

Project supervisor Mario described the experience as extraordinary, recounting how workers alerted him to their find before he contacted police. “When I held the gold in my hands, the reality of what we had found finally set in,” he told reporters, noting the sheer volume of material made concealment impractical.

Under Belgian law, the rightful owner retains five years to claim the treasure. Kobe expressed hope for a finder’s fee, while Mario acknowledged that keeping the discovery would constitute theft regardless of the temptation posed by its scale.

The building housing the brewery is operated by a welfare organization serving the Flemish community. The organization’s director stated his hope that proceeds from the gold could address pressing social needs within the region.

Local police cautioned treasure seekers against approaching the construction site, warning of dangerous pits and confirming that all gold has been recovered. Authorities expressed optimism that the unexpected windfall would improve circumstances for multiple households.