BUENAVISTA, Quezon — Authorities seized around 500 sacks of gold ore during raids on two mining sites in Barangay Bulo here, an operation that could affect hundreds of families dependent on small-scale mining for their livelihood.

The National Bureau of Investigation-Lucena District Office led the 3 September operation in Sitio Mina, with personnel from the Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the municipal environment office.

Armed with a search warrant, authorities recovered sacks containing processed and unprocessed gold ore, along with equipment allegedly used in mining and mineral processing.

Around 40 workers found inside a tunnel were brought to the NBI-Lucena office as part of the investigation.

The operation prompted miners to gather outside the Buenavista municipal hall to appeal for fair treatment. Reports indicated that hundreds of workers and their families depend on mining activities in the area for their income.

Police and Army personnel were deployed to secure the mining sites following the operation.

Authorities are now determining the liabilities of those involved and the legal status of the mining operations.