Videos obtained by the AP news agency show dozens of bodies lying piled on the ground near the Jebel Iraq mining area.
Exactly what is behind the fatal shootings is unclear.
"All I know is that unknown assailants attacked Jebel Iraq at a gold mine. Over 70 people have died and many more have been injured," said police spokesman Kwacijwok Dominic Amondoc.
Clashes have taken place in the area before, mainly between mining companies and illegal miners.
