In the rugged, gold-rich terrain of the Yukon, Rick Ness and his skeleton crew are proving that grit, grind, and a little bit of luck can still pay off big—even when the odds are stacked high.
After a six-week delay to the start of the season due to pandemic-related setbacks, Ness’ team found themselves dangerously behind. With just two months left in the season and more than half their 1,000-ounce target still ahead, Rick faced an uphill battle that few would dare take on.
“We’re low on manpower,” Rick admitted early in the week. “We’re just going to have to work twice as hard as we did last year.”
Monster Red Stays Retired
Once hailed as the powerhouse of the operation, the legendary wash plant Monster Red—capable of processing over 300 yards per hour—remained silent this season. After taking a brutal beating last year, repairs would’ve cost over $100,000 and taken weeks Ness couldn’t afford.
“That’s it for fuel,” Rick said, reluctantly walking away from the machine. “We just made the decision that Monster Red is not coming out of retirement.”
Instead, the team doubled down on the smaller plant—designed for just 100 yards an hour—and committed to 16- to 18-hour workdays. Night shifts kicked off under the leadership of Rick and mechanic Carl, determined to claw their way back into contention.
Trouble Hits the Conveyor Belt
As if the workload wasn’t enough, a sudden halt threatened to shut the entire operation down.
“I got a strip of belt here about a half-inch thick that’s tearing off,” Carl said, climbing up to inspect the torn conveyor. The culprit? A twisted wiper blade scraping the belt mid-operation.
With the operation at a standstill, Carl’s quick fix saved the night. “A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold,” Rick said, praising Carl’s fast thinking. “We’re back running—and we’re going to keep on running into the night.”
The Big Payoff
As dawn broke, all eyes turned to the gold weigh-in—an anxious ritual that could make or break their season. And the numbers didn’t disappoint.
With 85.65 ounces recovered in a single week—valued at over $180,000—Rick and the team celebrated their second-largest gold haul of the year.
“That’s what it’s going to take,” Rick said emotionally. “And I love everything about tonight. I love that pile of gold. I love you guys.”
The victory was more than financial—it was personal. A symbol of perseverance, camaraderie, and belief in the impossible.
“I want to do as good as Rick’s doing,” one crew member said. “He’s working his ass off—and I’m here to follow that.”
With momentum on their side and the gold flowing, the team at Duncan Creek isn’t just mining—they’re chasing redemption.
