At an age when most are contemplating retirement, legendary gold miner Tony Beets is charging full steam ahead into what he hopes will be his biggest season yet — with an ambitious target of 9,000 ounces of gold before his 65th birthday.
“If we can spend $5 million on equipment,” Beets stated confidently, “we can come back with three times more iron than we left with. I wouldn’t see a big problem hitting 9,000 ounces.”
But ambition alone won’t break Yukon’s permafrost. Beets and his family are facing their usual cocktail of high hopes, logistical challenges, and frozen pay dirt.
Gear Shift: Bringing in the Big Guns
To make his gold dream a reality, Beets has rolled out some heavy-duty firepower. This season sees the introduction of a brand new 850-horsepower D11 dozer and a 100-ton 950 excavator — the largest excavator in the Yukon.
The result? 80 feet of overburden stripped in just four days, revealing a 40-foot wall of potentially lucrative pay dirt at the Nugget Cut on Paradise Hill.
“It definitely helps having a 950,” said son Kevin Beets, who has taken the lead on logistics alongside siblings Monica and Mike. “Three and a half scoops and a rock truck’s full.”
Monica, always calm under pressure, added with a laugh, “I’m here for my looks,” while Kevin prepped the pump and antifreeze. “At least one of us should be good looking.”
Frozen Gold: Permafrost Problems Return
But the victory was short-lived.
A 40-foot wall of frozen dirt brought operations to a grinding halt.
“This wall is completely solid,” reported operator Ruby, as crews stood idle. The delay threatened not only efficiency but also the bottom line.
Tony himself climbed into the D11 and tore through the frozen earth: “We’ve got to force our way through. That’s just what we’re going to do.”
With permafrost busted, rock trucks were quickly redeployed, pay dirt flowed again, and operations resumed.
The Water License Waiting Game
Despite success on Paradise Hill, the Beets operation remains at the mercy of red tape. They are still awaiting a crucial mining water license for their Indian River claims, which Tony says they must receive within the next few weeks to avoid setbacks.
Until then, it’s “all hands on deck” at Paradise Hill.
First Gold of the Season: $147K Haul
With the trommel back online, the first cleanup brought in 82.72 ounces of gold, valued at over $147,000 — a respectable start, but still short of the 475 ounces per week Tony needs to stay on pace.
“It’s not quite the two ounces an hour we need,” said Kevin, “but it’s better than last season’s hourly production.”
Looking Ahead: A Family on a Mission
Though the season is just beginning, spirits are high. The Beets family is united in effort and attitude — running 24-hour shifts, dodging frozen setbacks, and watching their tonnage add up.
“This is not the time to slow down,” Tony concluded. “Now’s the time to get excited.”
As Tony continues to bulldoze both permafrost and expectations, one thing is certain — there’s gold in those hills, and the Beets aren’t backing down until they get it.
GOLD TALLY TO DATE
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Weekly Target: 475 oz
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This Week’s Haul: 82.72 oz
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Estimated Value: $147,000+
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Ounces Still Needed: 8,917.28
