I know one can get them from randomly spawning ore veins, but those seem rare (most of the time it's just chests) and I've yet to get a single piece of gold ore from all of my running around. So, is it possible to obtain ores in other ways, or is it just a grinding thing?

(Maybe there are more veins in the caves? I decided not to fight the grove behemoth yet because I don't want to increase the level of enemies, but if that means I get more ores quicker I'll do it)

Ores are an exponentially more common spawn in the caves as compared to the forest.
(also I think they additionally are a possible drop from the earthen constructs, golem elites, and boss Demora but remembering things? in my brain? hah)

I see, thank you!