Parker Schnabel and his team have landed in New Zealand, chasing gold and seeking the ideal wash plant for their Alaskan mining operation. The crew, including gold prospector Tyler Mahoney, first stopped in Arrowtown, a historic gold rush town, where they explored a local gold shop and examined impressive nuggets found in the region.
Their quest then took them 50 miles southeast to inspect a promising wash plant. The machine, a six-foot trommel on tracks, boasted impressive mobility and an extended conveyor system, allowing for efficient gold recovery. However, an unexpected turn of events saw the crew arriving at a locked gate with no owner in sight. After sneaking a closer look, they were caught by site foreman Simon Johnstone, who reluctantly allowed them to inspect the plant.
During testing, Schnabel discovered that the plant’s newly added conveyor made it unstable. Moreover, its size and height posed challenges for transport on public highways, a crucial factor for his Alaskan claims. Ultimately, despite its advantages, Parker decided to continue his search for a more suitable plant.
With time running out and no purchase made, the reality of their ambitious $5 million Alaskan venture looms large. As they push forward, the pressure mounts to find the right equipment before the season begins.
