After weeks of preparation, risk, and tough decisions, Rick Ness’s gamble on the Vegas Valley cut has finally paid off. With the operation at full throttle, Rick and his team are now seeing the results they have long worked toward. But getting here wasn’t easy.
Rick Ness, known for his determination and grit, has been working tirelessly to move Monster Red, the powerful wash plant, to the Vegas Valley. After years of no movement, it was time to disassemble the plant to safely move it to its new home. The task was daunting, and the stakes were high.
Moving the Plant: A Risky Operation
The move of Monster Red, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, wasn’t without its dangers. The crew had to transport the massive 10-ton shaker deck along a treacherous mile-and-a-half stretch of mine road. The steep, muddy descent posed a serious risk. At one point, the crew even needed to use a loader as a safety break to ensure the trailer didn’t careen out of control on the 35° gradient.
But despite the challenges, the plant made it down in one piece, and the team celebrated what they had accomplished. “The most expensive part of the plant made it here in one piece,” said Rick, clearly relieved. “Now, we just have to reassemble it without damaging anything.”
A Setback: Buzz’s Mistake
However, the journey wasn’t over yet. As Rick arrived at the site, he realized that Buzz, his foreman, had placed the plant in the wrong spot. The planned position didn’t leave enough room for the coarse tailings, a crucial part of the operation.
Frustrated but focused, Rick told his team they had to move the plant. “It’s not where it ended up, and I told him exactly where I wanted it,” he said. Despite the setback, Rick knew they had no time to waste. With the clock ticking, the team quickly went to work, making the necessary adjustments.
The Big Moment: Vegas Valley Begins
After months of setbacks, hard work, and some serious risks, the team was finally ready to fire up Monster Red in Vegas Valley. The generators roared to life, and the plant was fired up, with dirt feeding into the shaker deck. The crew couldn’t contain their excitement as they watched the process finally unfold.
“This Vegas Valley cut has been one hell of a cut, and it’s been a battle the whole way,” said Rick. “Now, we just have to hope we have enough weather, enough time, and enough dirt to get the gold.”
The Payoff: Gold in the Sluices
After two days of running payday dirt, Rick and his crew eagerly checked the sluices of Monster Red for gold. The excitement was palpable as they peered into the sluices and saw the results of their hard work.
“Look at all that gold right there,” said Rick, as he saw piles of gold. “It’s lit up like it’s Christmas.”
The gamble had paid off. After weeks of preparation, risk, and setbacks, the team had finally struck gold in Vegas Valley. With a million-dollar investment on the line, the success of this operation was a huge relief, not only for Rick and his crew but also for the entire season.
