Rick Ness has not had it easy this season on Gold Rush. When he returned to the show after a mental health break, fans were excited because it meant an experienced miner was returning. However, he has faced some overwhelming obstacles this season. He had broken equipment and a water license he learned might not get renewed.
However, he wants to make his goal and is gambling now on a new area he called “Vegas Valley.” Here is what you need to know.
Rick Ness Gambles On New Mining Extension
Rick Ness has seen low returns at Duncan Creek, and he realizes that he needs to make a move if he wants to turn things around this season. He is midway through the mining season and has yet to find substantial gold. With no profits coming in, he is seeing his entire operation put at risk.
Rick is looking at a new spot to mine at Rally Valley, which is half a mile away from where they are currently set up. At first, it seemed the ground’s depth was too risky, and it would take seven to eight weeks to reach any paydirt. This means they would have almost no time remaining to hit gold before winter ends the season.
Rick would need to invest around a million dollars with no guarantee of a return to make this move. However, he knows he isn’t finding what he needs where he is, so he has decided to gamble on his future. This is why he has called the new site Vegas Valley.
He is moving a 750 excavator to remove overburden and get to the payload. However, as it has been all season, mechanical issues are causing Rick too many headaches.
The good news is that Rick got those issues resolved, and he seems optimistic that he will find the gold that has evaded him this season in Vegas Valley.
Parker Schnabel Also Struggling
Rick Ness isn’t the only person struggling. Parker Schnabel, one of the most successful miners in Gold Rush history, is also falling short. He has less than 3,000 ounces of gold so far. His goal was 10,000 ounces this season.
Parker is also investing a lot of money into another area. However, his isn’t as risky as Rick Ness. Parker is investing $2.5 million to acquire a neighboring mining company and the Sulphur Creek claim, which is already ready for sluicing. This should allow him to bolster his gold production as the season wears on.
What are your thoughts on all the struggles this season on Gold Rush? Do you think Rick Ness and Parker Schnabel will turn things around and hit their goals before the season ends? Let us know in the comments below.
Shawn S. Lealos has been a freelance writer for over 25 years and is a voting member of the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle. He is also a published author with a book about the Stephen King Dollar Baby Filmmakers.