A Mobile Trommel, a Truck Fire, and One Wild Gamble in the Yukon

With just two months left in the short Yukon gold mining season, veteran miner Tony Beets is rolling the dice on a $400,000 investment — a mobile trommel that hasn’t run in nearly three decades.

“By the time the dust settles, we’re going to have anywhere between $400,000 to $500,000 into it,” Tony admits. “But if it works, it could change everything.”

The Build Begins — and Trouble Strikes

The trommel — a rare mobile version with its own wheels and engine — is designed to move directly down the pay cut, processing gold-rich dirt on the go. Tony and his crew, including Mike and mechanic Jordan, begin piecing the machine together.

But the job hits a fiery snag.

While heading to Moose Creek for the final part, the conveyor, Mike’s truck catches fire in Dawson City.

“Oh man, I gotta replace all of it,” Mike says, watching helplessly as flames engulf his truck. “But nobody’s hurt. No big deal.”

Despite the loss, Mike returns with another truck — and the critical conveyor.

Piece by Piece: Bringing the Beast Back to Life

As parts arrive at Paradise Hill, the team cranes in the hopper feeder, sluice runs, and conveyor. With 90% of the rebuild done, all that’s left is the moment of truth: starting the engine.

“It hasn’t run in almost 30 years,” Tony says. “We don’t have a clue what’s going to happen.”

The first attempt fails. The batteries are dead. But with some quick thinking, Jordan hooks up extra batteries from nearby trucks. The engine turns.

And then… it roars.

“Pretty impressive,” Tony smiles. “One short walk for a trommel, one giant leap for the Beets mine.”

The Final Step: Move It to the Mega Cut

With the mobile trommel rebuilt and running, Tony wastes no time. It’s time to haul it to the Mega Cut and test it with real pay dirt.

“Let’s go,” Tony says. “Put some dirt through the thing and see what happens.”

Will the Gamble Pay Off?

Tony’s season goal is 3,000 ounces of gold. If the mobile trommel performs as expected, it could tip the scales — and justify the $400,000 gamble.

“It lives,” says Kevin Beets, watching the machine in motion.
“Cool,” Tony replies, calm but clearly relieved.

From rust to riches? Time — and the Yukon gold — will tell.