A Race Against Time and Resources
In the unforgiving Yukon, Parker Schnabel’s ambitious 20-acre Long Cut is testing the limits of both man and machine. The operation’s foreman, Mitch Blaschke, admits the crew is stretched thin.
“We have a lack of resources — not enough machines, not enough operators,” Mitch explains. “Parker’s got us all over the place. We’ve hired a lot of new people, and when you’re trying to maximize
production every day, that adds another layer of difficulty.”
One of those new recruits is 20-year-old Taven Peterson, a fresh hire from Saskatchewan, eager to prove himself.
“It’s my first week working for Parker,” Taven says. “Everybody’s been super nice and welcoming. I’m just happy to be here and find out what gold mining is all about.”
A Close Call on the Edge
Taven’s enthusiasm quickly meets the harsh reality of the Yukon when a routine road-building task turns dangerous. While hauling overburden along the east bank, his truck slips perilously close to the edge.
“I damn near went over the bank,” Taven admits over the radio. “I’m stuck up here. Gonna need a little hand with the dozer.”
Foreman Mitch rushes to the scene. Time is critical — the Rock Sand wash plant is almost out of pay dirt, and every minute counts. Working cautiously, the crew uses fill material to stabilize the soft, sloughing bank.
“We got other trucks bringing material up,” Mitch says. “We’ll dump some right here to help hold the bank up.”
After tense minutes of maneuvering, the truck finally backs to safety.
“These things happen, especially with new drivers,” Mitch says. “The important thing is nobody got hurt. He did the right thing — stopped, called for help.”
A relieved Taven thanks his foreman:
“Thank you so much, Mitch.”
“No worries,” Mitch replies. “Nice job, man.”
The moment even ends with a lighthearted exchange — Taven offers a hug, to which Mitch laughs, “Not a hugger. Let’s get back to moving some dirt.”
The Hunt for Gold Continues
Back at camp, Parker Schnabel assesses the week’s production numbers. Despite working multiple cuts, the gold total remains far from the season goal.
“Parker is chasing a record-breaking 10,000-ounce season, but so far we’ve only got 576 ounces,” Mitch admits.
The Long Cut has proven stubborn, refusing to give up its gold easily. Meanwhile, Big Red, the crew’s flagship wash plant, has been running top gravels from the Bridge Cut, with modest results.
The cleanup begins.
“Big Red: 30… 40… 45… 50… 55.8 ounces,” Mitch counts aloud. “That’s better than I thought!”
Worth roughly $140,000, it’s a morale boost but still a fraction of what’s needed.
“This season, Big Red’s like on some kind of weird exercise program,” Parker jokes. “Working hard but not finding gold.”
Rock Sand Delivers a Surprise
Next up is Rock Sand, the new plant that’s been struggling to stay fed with pay. Despite a tough week, the cleanup surprises everyone.
“20… 40… 50… 80… 90… breaking 100… 130… 145… 150… 170… 171.95 ounces!” Mitch announces.
That’s just under $430,000 worth of gold — a massive morale boost for the exhausted crew. Combined with Big Red’s total, the team nets 227.75 ounces for the week, bringing the season total to 804.25 ounces.
But with more than 9,000 ounces still to go, Parker knows the pressure is on.
“The way things are going, fire up three plants, four plants, I don’t care,” Parker declares. “We need to get gold rolling through here.”
Still Fighting the Yukon
As winter creeps closer, frozen ground and thaw delays threaten every operation. Yet Parker’s optimism remains unshaken.
“Eventually Big Red will hit good dirt, and Rock Sand will keep chewing through the Long Cut,” he says. “Just keep washing dirt and rock — we’ll get it.”
The Yukon doesn’t forgive mistakes, but it rewards persistence. For Parker Schnabel and his crew, every ounce is a battle — and every victory hard-earned.
📺 “I’m Parker Schnabel, and you’re watching Discovery Australia. Hit subscribe now to not miss out on any Gold Rush content.”
