From son to boss: Kevin’s bold solo start begins with a spark — and a handshake with an old rival.

In a bold step toward independence, Kevin Beets has taken command of his own mining operation for the first time — and with it comes all the pressure, unpredictability, and high-dollar stakes the Yukon can throw at a rookie boss.

The season began not with gold, but with a problem: a missing piece of equipment vital to breaking the frozen ground. Without a ripper shank for the D10 dozer, Kevin’s mining ambitions were literally stuck in the dirt.

“This is the first and most important piece of the puzzle this year,” Kevin said. “Without it, we’re kind of dead in the water.”

With Tony Beets — Kevin’s legendary mining father — only offering old, worn-out gear, Kevin made a decision that would define the tone of his season: he reached out to Parker Schnabel, his former boss and longtime rival.

A Past Revisited, A Bridge Rebuilt

It had been years since Kevin and Parker spoke. Their working relationship had ended on tense terms.

“To be honest, I haven’t talked to the guy in a few years,” Kevin admitted. “We had some differences toward the end.”

But Parker surprised everyone by welcoming Kevin back to his yard — and into a surprisingly warm conversation.

“If this was Tony’s thing, he could deal with it himself,” Parker said. “But since it’s for you — I’m happy to help.”

The ripper shank would cost Kevin $11,000, but Parker sweetened the deal by offering it on credit.

“You can start a tab,” he said with a grin, cementing not just a deal, but what might be a rekindled respect between the two miners.

For Kevin, the moment was about more than steel and hydraulics.

“Parker has been very generous, and I am incredibly thankful. This means we can finally start ripping and get to work,” Kevin said.

Hands Dirty, Sparks Flying

Back at Scribner Creek, Kevin and his crew — including team members Faith and Brennan — prepared to mount the shank onto the dozer. But excitement quickly gave way to frustration: the shank didn’t fit.

Rather than back down, Kevin invoked his father’s philosophy:

“If it doesn’t work, new plan. If that doesn’t work, new plan. If that doesn’t work, get a bigger hammer — and make it work.”

The team modified the part with an air arc welder, slicing away steel with a 1,000°F arc. Sparks flew as Kevin personally cut the excess, determined to avoid delays.

“We all want to see some gold — and this is the first step.”

The fix worked. On the second attempt, Faith expertly guided the shank into place.

“Looks like Kevin’s fabrication works,” Brennan cheered.
“Nice work, Kev. Let’s get out there and get ripping.”

Big Goals, Bigger Machines

The milestone allowed Kevin to finally fire up his massive $700,000 wash plant, the centerpiece of his investment and his most powerful tool for gold recovery.

“If we can run it 23 hours a day, we should be able to make up for lost time,” Kevin explained. “We need this machine to pay off — fast.”

The wash plant’s installation brought fresh energy to the camp — even the dogs joined in the celebration.

“Are you excited, puppy?” Kevin quipped, sharing a smile with his crew.

Eyes on the Prize: 1,000 Ounces

Kevin’s target is clear: recover 1,000 ounces of gold this season. It’s an ambitious goal for a first-time mine boss, but his early problem-solving and calm leadership are already setting a strong tone.

“It’s a little scary starting out on our own,” he admitted. “But I’m confident we’re going to make it.”

From welding mishaps to emotional reunions, Kevin Beets’ season has begun not with ease, but with resilience — and just enough gold dust on the horizon to keep pushing forward.

📦 NEXT UP IN THE GAZETTE:

• Tony Beets reacts to Kevin’s independence.

• Faith’s unexpected rise as a dozer operator.

• The return of old alliances: Is this the start of a new mining brotherhood?

The Yukon Mining Gazette — Covering the drama, dust, and dreams of the North’s greatest gold chasers.