Rick Ness’s Crew Faces Challenges at Vegas Valley
Rick Ness and his crew are pushing their limits as they race to reach a gold-rich pay layer at the bottom of the 210-foot-deep Vegas Valley cut. With a small team and four rock trucks running nonstop, the pressure is mounting.
A Team Stretched to the Limit
Despite their best efforts, tensions are rising within the team. Crew foreman Buzz, responsible for hauling 90 loads per day, is struggling with his role in the rock truck. “If you don’t like it, you might as well go home,” Rick states bluntly, reinforcing the necessity for every team member to do their part.
Rough terrain adds to their difficulties. The constant hauling of waste material has left the 2,000-foot Loop Road in poor condition. “This road is so bumpy, my phone thinks I’m in an emergency,” one crew member jokes. To fix the issue, Buzz steps out of the truck and into an excavator to lay coarse rock, though frustration lingers over his shifting responsibilities.
Tensions Boil Over
As the workload intensifies, Rick notices Buzz’s lack of enthusiasm. “He’s doing the bare minimum, and everybody sees it—that’s the problem.” Matters escalate when Rick confronts Buzz about his attitude and sleeping habits during work hours. The foreman, feeling sidelined, fires back, arguing that he was pushed out of roles he initially led.
In a tense but necessary conversation, Rick makes it clear: “We’re a small crew, and everyone has to step in where needed.” Despite the heated exchange, a resolution is reached. Buzz acknowledges his frustrations, and Rick reassures him of his value to the team. “You’re a big part of this team—I don’t want to lose you.”
Moving Forward
With tensions eased and communication restored, the crew refocuses on their primary goal—getting to the pay dirt and hitting their 1,500-ounce gold target. Rick remains hopeful but firm: “If everyone understands their role and commits, we’ll finish strong.”
As the season continues, all eyes are on Rick Ness and his crew to see if their hard work and determination will pay off in gold.
