Dave Turin, better known to millions of Gold Rush fans as Dozer Dave, has officially announced his retirement from gold mining, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected and admired figures.
With his decision to step away from the business he has dedicated much of his life to, Turin has put all his mining equipment and claims up for sale in an all-inclusive package deal — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any aspiring gold miner.
A Final Offer for the Crew
True to his loyal nature, Dave first offered his entire operation — including equipment, mining claims, and access rights — to his dedicated crew for $1 million. However, insiders suggest the crew may have declined, as Turin recently announced a Black Friday deal, hinting at a significant discount for other buyers.
The exclusive package reportedly includes a Roco X5 wash plant, 160 acres of mining claims in Valdez, Alaska, access to the Goldrich Mineral Creek, and a brand-new, unused SLLE box. While the final price has not been disclosed, industry whispers hint at a deep cut for serious buyers.
The Making of a Mining Icon
Born April 21, 1959, in Oregon, Dave Turin grew up in a tight-knit, hardworking family with five siblings. A standout athlete and student at Sandy Union High School, Turin pursued civil engineering at Portland State University, but his heart remained with his family’s rock quarry business.
For over 30 years, he managed the Turin Rock Quarry alongside his father and brothers, earning the nickname Dozer Dave for his unmatched skill operating heavy machinery.
Gold Rush Stardom
Turin’s gold mining career began when friends Todd and Jack Hoffman invited him to consult on their mining venture. His knowledge and steady leadership quickly made him a core member of the Hoffman crew, and he became a familiar face on Gold Rush starting in Season 2.
Fans admired Turin’s calm problem-solving and refusal to back down from challenges — qualities that helped the team survive setbacks like the infamous Ghana expedition and tough seasons at Quartz Creek and McKinnon Creek.
However, tensions behind the scenes peaked in Season 7 when a physical altercation with fellow miner Trey Poulson led to a cloud over Turin’s final days on Gold Rush.
In 2019, Turin launched his own successful spin-off, Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, where he and his crew hunted for gold in abandoned mines across North America — cementing his legacy as a leader and innovator in the field.
Life Beyond the Mine
Away from the dirt and the cameras, Dave Turin is a devoted family man. Married to his high school sweetheart, Shelley Turin, for decades, he is a father to three grown children and a proud grandfather to four.
As of 2023, Turin’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million, earned through decades in the excavation industry and reality TV.
A New Chapter Begins
Though Turin has yet to reveal what comes next, fans can expect him to stay true to his roots — whether that means spending more time with family, exploring new business ventures, or even making an unexpected return to television.
For now, an entire mining operation is up for grabs as part of Dozer Dave’s final sign-off — a rare chance for the next generation of miners to pick up where a legend leaves off.
Few figures in reality TV and gold mining have left such a mark. As Dave Turin trades his dozer for more time at home, his story remains a testament to grit, leadership, and a never-quit attitude — a legacy that will inspire miners for years to come.
