Rick Ness Faces a Critical Decision in His Mining Career

A Race Against Time: The Expiring Water License

Rick Ness is facing one of the biggest challenges of his gold mining career. His water license for Duncan Creek is set to expire, and without a renewal, his entire operation could come to a halt. Even though he has successfully paid off one claim, he now needs new, viable ground to keep his crew employed and his mining future secure.

Jeff Bond’s Proposal: The Goldfinger Claim

In the world of gold mining, experience and knowledge are just as valuable as heavy machinery. That’s where Jeff Bond comes in. A seasoned geologist with decades of experience, Jeff has spent years prospecting in the Yukon and believes he has found a promising new site for Rick—just 8 km away.

Jeff introduces Rick to the Goldfinger property, a claim with minimal overburden, meaning mining could begin almost immediately. His research and sample results estimate the claim holds $15 worth of gold per yard—lower than Duncan Creek but still potentially profitable due to low stripping costs.

Rick’s Skepticism: Seeing the Gold for Himself

Rick is not the type to jump into a deal blindly. Years of experience have taught him that numbers on paper don’t always translate to real-world success. He insists on testing the claim himself before making any commitments.

To help Rick visualize the claim’s potential, Jeff takes him to a trench where large boulders and cobbles are visible—classic indicators of historical fast-flowing water, which often transports gold. The geology looks promising, but Rick remains cautious.

Jeff, a former Yukon Geological Survey geologist, is confident in his findings and urges Rick to conduct his own test sample. If the results prove positive, this could be a game-changing opportunity.

Testing the Claim: Overcoming Obstacles

Rick decides to take a compact approach for this job, using a mini excavator—a machine he has owned for five years but rarely used. Given the dense terrain and limited site access, this equipment is perfect for maneuvering into tight spaces and extracting test samples.

Before he can start digging, he faces an unexpected physical barrier—thick alders blocking access to the trench. His crew is forced to use chainsaws to cut a path through the overgrowth.

Once cleared, Rick struggles to start the excavator, adding frustration to an already tense situation. But with persistence, he finally gets it running and starts digging. As he goes deeper, he notices promising signs: large boulders beneath the surface, indicating an ancient riverbed—a crucial clue that gold may be nearby.

After opening the trench, Rick carefully extracts 25 buckets of material, roughly half a yard of dirt, and prepares to transport it back to Duncan Creek for testing.

The Moment of Truth: Testing the Goldfinger Sample

Back at Duncan Creek, Rick’s trusted gold processor, Heather Folster, is waiting. A skilled gold cleaner, Heather meticulously runs the dirt through screens, cubes it, and processes it on the shaker table.

As Rick and his crew watch closely, the oscillating motion of the shaker table separates heavier materials—including gold—from lighter sediment. Every speck of gold matters, and Heather ensures no mistakes are made.

While waiting for results, Rick reflects on the high-stakes nature of gold mining. It’s backbreaking, grueling work, but the thrill of discovery and the bond with his crew keep him going.

A Disappointing Outcome: The Gold Just Isn’t Enough

After hours of careful processing, Heather presents the final results—and they are disappointing. The Goldfinger claim yields just over $20 per yard, far below Rick’s minimum requirement of $30 per yard.

Jeff Bond had promised minimal overburden and a decent return, but the numbers tell a different story. Rick bluntly admits, “I’ll be honest, I’m not too interested in it.” He lifts the small jar of recovered gold and passes it around, a reminder of why thorough testing is crucial.

“This is part of prospecting,” he explains. “We need to make sure the ground is worth the effort.”

Moving Forward: Rick’s Crew Stands Behind Him

Despite the disappointing results, Rick remains determined. He turns to his crew, knowing their loyalty is just as valuable as gold.

“I want you guys to come back,” he tells them. “At the end of the day, I’ll make sure we have the best ground possible.”

Without hesitation, his team reaffirms their commitment. Around a roaring fire, they share a moment of unity.

“We got your back,” one of them says.

Rick nods, appreciating their loyalty. “I know you guys got my back, and I got yours too.”

The Search for Gold Continues

The Goldfinger claim may not be the answer, but Rick Ness isn’t giving up. The search for the right ground continues.

The Yukon is vast, and somewhere out there, the perfect claim is waiting. The only question is:

Will Rick find it in time?