I had forgotten the "surprises" that maybe inside of an asteroid. I started up a Terran Scout today, and a handful of times, had the asteroid I was mining explode. Sometimes it did nothing to my ship, except weaken the shields. Another time, it actually disabled my ship, my shields were down from a couple of MOBs. A third time, a critter spawned and disabled my ship.
Interestingly enough, a couple of days ago I started a Progen Explorer. I don't recall having any of those issues in it's starting area.
But I didn't mind, as it made prospecting a tad more interesting.
Now maybe, if these things would also explode and give you a chance to recover a "hidden" artifact, like what you suggested. Maybe some metal junk, or other random tradeable item.
Maybe on some rare cases, how about a data cube with a Devs name on it, or a notable player, for a memorial, or a nod for their help?
Of case the item would be sold at a trade booth.