Rick Ness Scouts New Ground at Duncan Creek for Future Gold Mining

Pushing to Reach a 1,000-Ounce Goal

As the mining season nears its end, Rick Ness and his crew are making a final push to achieve their 1,000-ounce gold target. While committed to this goal, Ness is also turning his attention toward the future, weighing his options for the next season.

Exploring Duncan Creek

Rather than returning to the more predictable Indian River claims owned by Tony Beets, Rick is investigating new opportunities along Duncan Creek. The terrain is challenging, with unpredictable ground that’s difficult to read, but initial signs point to the presence of gold.

Rick has secured access to over 9 miles of untouched land along Duncan Creek, thanks to his landowner Troy Taylor. This region is known for its extreme variability, containing both gold-rich hotspots and barren zones.

Aerial Reconnaissance for New Pay Dirt

To better understand the land, Rick conducts an aerial survey via helicopter. From above, he identifies a promising area on a lazy inside bend of the creek—a geographical feature known for slowing water flow and trapping gold particles. He previously discovered a 1.5-ounce nugget in a similar location.

Despite the risks, Rick sees this as a chance to establish a solid plan for next year. His goal is to quickly test potential pay dirt before winter halts operations.

Ground Testing and Challenges

Rick targets one of the areas spotted from the air for a bulk test. However, upon arrival, he encounters unexpected permafrost, complicating excavation. His 54-ton excavator struggles with traction on the frozen bank, making progress slow and dangerous.

Once safely positioned, Rick begins digging through thawed ground in search of large boulders and pay gravel—key indicators of valuable gold deposits. Though the gold-bearing layer is deeper than expected, signs of promising material begin to emerge.

A Defining Decision

With time running out, Rick faces a pivotal decision: return to the safety of Tony’s Indian River ground or bet on the untapped, but less predictable, riches of Duncan Creek. The outcome of his tests will determine whether he can establish a future on this new claim.

As the season closes, Rick’s ability to prove Duncan Creek’s potential could shape the trajectory of his mining career.