In the relentless pursuit of gold, the Beets family has embarked on the mammoth task of relocating their massive screen deck wash plant to a new target: the Oldtimer Tailings. However, the move has not been without its hurdles.
The biggest challenge? A cumbersome hopper feeder that rendered the plant too unstable for transport. Frustration was evident as Kevin Beets and his team worked to remove the bolts securing the hopper, only to realize that modifications made last year had welded it in place. “We used to be able to lift it off,” Kevin remarked, “but now it’s solid.”
Determined to press on, Kevin and his crew spent the better part of a day cutting the steel angles to free the hopper. With the necessary adjustments made, Tony Beets took charge, directing his team to lift the component from the screen deck frame. After a careful lift and steady maneuvering, the wash plant was finally secured and ready for transport.
Mike Beets took the wheel, navigating the treacherous descent down Paradise Hill. The steep dirt road posed significant risks. “If any of the guys on the filing crew can hear me, I’d avoid being in front of this truck on the hill,” he cautioned. Despite the danger, Mike skillfully maneuvered the truck past the bridge and safely down to the Oldtimer Tailings site.
A Tried-and-True Method for Unloading
With the wash plant in position, Tony Beets devised a classic solution to unload the 50-ton beast. Using excavation equipment, a pit was dug with a sloped entrance, allowing the truck to back in while the wash plant was dragged onto the pad. “Piece of cake,” Tony declared after the successful maneuver.
Gold Weigh-In: Hitting Targets or Falling Short?
After an exhausting week, the Beets family gathered for their much-anticipated gold weigh-in. With their second wash plant still under assembly, they relied solely on Mike’s trusty trommel at the Mega Cut to keep operations afloat.
The moment of truth arrived as Faith Beets counted the haul. “5, 10, 15, 20… 178.6 ounces!” she announced. The gold, valued at $312,000, was a crucial boost to the family’s season total, which now stands at 7,326 ounces. However, with their goal set at 10,000 ounces, they remain over 2,000 ounces short.
Despite the challenges, the Beets family remains optimistic. “Now’s the time to do it,” Tony emphasized. “The price of gold is up, and we need to work every opportunity we have.” With multiple sites in play, they are determined to make the most of the season and close the gap to their ambitious target.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Yukon gold fields!
