Gold Rush star launches independent operation, faces early challenges with borrowed gear and new recruits
After more than two decades working under his father, legendary miner Tony Beets, Kevin Beets is striking out on his own. The Gold Rush star, now partnered with fellow miner Faith, has launched a new mining venture three miles east at Scribner Creek.
The move marks the first time Beets has taken full control of an operation, calling his own crew meeting and outlining ambitious goals: 1,000 ounces of gold in the first season.
Building a Team
At the crew’s first gathering, Kevin assigned roles: Brennan would oversee the cut, Hunter and Chase would run rock trucks, and Matt would handle the excavator. His message was clear — the new mine would run differently than Tony’s.
“You don’t got to like it,” Kevin told his team, “but I really don’t want you to dread it.”
Trouble With Tony’s Old Equipment
Launching a mine is never easy, and Beets quickly ran into problems. Using equipment borrowed from Tony, his rookies faced mechanical failures almost immediately.
Rookie truck driver Hunter Cannon found himself stuck on a hill, with his differential lock failing. “My truck is having a hard time already,” Cannon said, as air leaked from a broken hose.
Kevin diagnosed the issue as sloppy maintenance inherited from his father’s old fleet. “This is Tony’s not doing,” he remarked. “When it finally grenades, it’s now my problem.”
Fortunately, the fix was quick — replacing the damaged air line restored the truck’s traction system. But the setback highlighted the risks of relying on aging machinery.
Shopping for Solutions
Frustrated, Kevin turned to Parker Schnabel, who had several used A40 rock trucks for sale. At $110,000 apiece, the 21-year-old vehicles weren’t new, but they were in better condition than Tony’s hand-me-downs.
Negotiations were brief. Parker, known for his direct style, refused to haggle. “I don’t haggle,” Schnabel told Beets. “Buy it or don’t buy it. I don’t really care.”
With few alternatives, Kevin agreed to the price, arranging to pay later in the season. The purchase gave his fledgling operation a fighting chance at reaching pay dirt.
A New Chapter
For Kevin Beets, the move represents both independence and risk. Running a mine without Tony’s oversight means more responsibility — and more pressure to succeed.
Despite the rocky start, Kevin remains optimistic. “I’m excited to get started mining,” he told cameras. “We’ve got dirt to move, and I’m ready to see some gold.”
With new recruits, borrowed machines, and now a truck bought from Parker Schnabel, the season ahead will test whether Beets can truly step out from his father’s shadow and prove himself as a mine boss in his own right.
