BIG RED RETIRES AS PARKER TESTS NEW WASH PLANT
After years of loyal service, Parker Schnabel’s most reliable wash plant, Big Red, is being shut down for the season. But with the pressure to keep gold production high, Parker is rolling the dice on a brand-new, untested wash plant. The gamble could either pay off or become one of the biggest blunders of his mining career.
A HIGH-STAKES SWITCH
With Big Red out of commission, the focus now shifts to the new wash plant, dubbed Rox Sand. The team is racing against time to get it operational, making sure all components—from water pumps to shaker decks—are set up correctly. As they fire it up for the first time, immediate issues arise: power failures, leaks, and a faulty hose clamp threatening to derail the launch.
“We’ve got a lot of eyes on this,” Parker admits, knowing that every second counts. Despite setbacks, the plant is eventually brought to life, and dirt begins flowing through its system. But will it deliver the gold?
STRONG FINISH FOR BIG RED, A ROUGH START FOR ROX SAND
While Big Red ends its season on a high note, bringing in a final haul of 345 ounces of gold, the first test run of Rox Sand leaves much to be desired. Running for just two days, the new plant brings in only 85 ounces—far below expectations.
“I do wonder if this plant is the right call,” Parker admits, reflecting on the performance gap. With a season goal of 5,000 ounces already met, the question remains whether Rox Sand can help push production even higher.
SETTING A NEW GOLD STANDARD
With the 5,000-ounce milestone reached earlier than expected, Parker and his team are now eyeing a new, ambitious target—7,000 ounces. This would bring in nearly $14 million, helping to pay off his Dominion Creek purchase in its first year.
“We’ve spent a lot of money, and 5,000 ounces won’t cover it,” Parker says. “We need to push further.”
With time still left in the season, the pressure is on for Rox Sand to prove its worth. Will this new plant rise to the challenge, or will Parker’s gamble turn into a costly mistake? Only time will tell.
Follow the journey as Parker and his team race against time to reach their ambitious goal. Will Rox Sand strike gold or leave them in the dust? Stay tuned for more updates from the Yukon goldfields!
