Gold Rush Recap: Parker Schnabel’s Big Bet in Fairbanks and Mitch’s Yukon Gold Push
Parker Heads to Fairbanks, Alaska
Parker Schnabel teams up with drill master Liam Ferguson to investigate a massive 30,000-acre claim at Cleary Creek, near Fairbanks, Alaska. With gold prices high, Parker brings in a sonic drill to test untouched ground — hoping to strike gold on land that was dredged in the 1940s but still has strips of virgin pay. The site has historical drilling data suggesting strong potential.
“It’s about a 300-foot strip here that was left by the dredge… if we get results like they did in the 1940s, it’s looking like a pretty good spot.” – Parker
Back at the Yukon: Mitch Holds the Line
While Parker is away, his foreman Mitch Blaschke is left running both Big Red and Sluicifer at full speed. With a goal of 450 ounces per week, Mitch is under intense pressure to keep production up — especially with a manpower and equipment shortage.
“Everything has to run extremely perfect for us to have a fighting chance.” – Brennan Rumo, Yukon team member
Mitch’s personal challenges come to light too, missing his wife on their 4-year anniversary and coping with the long-distance strain.
A High-Stakes Month
Parker returns to the Yukon after his Fairbanks trip — where the first property didn’t pan out, but Cleary Creek shows long-term potential. He’s just in time to weigh gold from the four weeks he was away.
Gold Weigh-in Results:
- Big Red’s Last Week: 174.25 ounces
- Combined Total (Big Red + Sluicifer):
- Week 1-3: Massive hauls
- Four-week Total: 2,293 ounces worth $4.3 million
- “That’s the biggest one we’ve ever had.” – Tyson
Victory for Mitch
Mitch not only hits the target — he smashes it. The success under his leadership proves his worth as a strong second-in-command.
“To be gone and have one of the best months this company’s ever had… I just can’t thank you guys enough.” – Parker
Season Total Update
- Total so far: 4,787 ounces
- Valued at: $8.34 million
