The final weeks of the gold season are proving to be a high-stakes sprint for Parker Schnabel’s crew as seen in the latest episode of Gold Rush. From busted tires to booming gold totals, the race against time is heating up at Dominion Creek’s legendary Money Pit.
🚜 LOADER BUSTED, PLANT SHUT DOWN — MITCH BLANCHE IN A TIGHT SPOT
Wash plant Roxan was running full steam, sluicing 250 yards an hour under foreman Mitch Blanche — until disaster struck. With most of the crew already moved on to prep for next season, the site was short-staffed and operating with a single loader. Then, the worst-case scenario: a flat tire brought everything to a halt.
“I could sure use the help,” Blanche admitted. “Right now, with what we got in front of us, we’re stretched thin.”
🛠️ RAPID REPAIR: TAYLOR SAVES THE DAY
Mechanic Taylor sprang into action after the loader’s tire completely failed, rendering the plant inoperable. The rim had been damaged so badly that it couldn’t grip a new tire.
“Pretty difficult ask to get a new tire on this rim,” Taylor explained. “That one’s toast.”
Fortunately, backup rims and tires were on-site. With expert speed, Taylor replaced the tire, reassembled the loader, and had Roxan back online in under an hour — a massive win for the crew’s efficiency.
💪 TATIANA COSTA HOLDS THE LINE
While Taylor worked, plant operator Tatiana Costa was running the show solo — clearing tailings, feeding pay, and doing the job of two people.
“It’s important to stay on top of the tailings,” Costa said. “Otherwise, they can jam the plant and we’d have to stop.”
Thanks to her grit, the delay had minimal impact. Once back online, Roxan resumed full production, pushing the team toward their season goals.
🏆 PAYDAY AT AUSTRALIA CREEK — OVER $560,000 WORTH OF GOLD
Back in camp, Parker met with foreman Tyson to tally up the final cleanout from Australia Creek — and the numbers didn’t disappoint:
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Weekly haul: 282.2 ounces
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Value: Over $560,000
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Australia Creek season total: 1,000+ ounces
“You guys did a good job in there,” Parker told Tyson. “You bought the right place.”
💰 MONEY PIT TOTAL HITS 6,544 OUNCES
As the team gathered to weigh the latest haul from the Money Pit, anticipation was sky-high — and Roxan didn’t disappoint.
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Latest weigh-in: 382.85 ounces
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Season total so far: 6,544 ounces
Parker couldn’t hide his excitement. “That’s sick. We’ve already pulled out 3,676 ounces from this spot.”
🔚 THE FINAL PUSH BEGINS
With only one plant running and the season clock ticking, Parker and the team know every yard counts.
“We’re running out of time,” Parker said. “But if the weather holds and the ground keeps delivering, we’re still in this.”
