Tony Beets Pushes for 5,000 Ounces: A Record-Breaking Week in the Klondike

A Golden Goal

Deep in the Yukon, King of the Klondike Tony Beets is once again proving why he’s one of the toughest miners in Gold Rush history. This season, he’s set a massive goal — to mine 5,000 ounces of gold — and he’s moving mountains to get there.

“Me and Minnie came to Canada for business,” Tony explains. “We didn’t come here to be poor — we already knew what that was like.”

So far, the Beets family has pulled 1,670 ounces of gold from the Indian River, worth more than $4 million. But with time ticking and costs climbing, Tony knows every ounce counts.

A Family Operation Stretched Thin

Tony’s empire now spans two active claims: the Indian River and Paradise Hill. On the Indian River, cousin Mike manages the “Comeback Cut,” running the Lott and Shaker wash plants, while 40 miles away at Paradise Hill, Tony’s youngest son Mike Beets battles to fire up the family’s 35-year-old trommel, a crucial piece of machinery that hasn’t run all season.

“If those plants don’t run, you’re not making money,” Tony says bluntly. “All you do is spend it.”

Troubles at the Trommel

After weeks of preparation, Mike struggles to start the aging pump that sends water to the trommel. Without it, the wash plant can’t run.

Tony sends in long-time mechanic Len Hora to help. After several tense moments and a few choice words, they discover the issue — Mike forgot to disengage the Murphy safety switch, which cuts fuel to prevent overheating.

“Completely forgot about that, like an idiot,” Mike laughs as the engine finally roars to life. Moments later, water surges through the lines. “We’ve got water up top!” Monica confirms over the radio.

The trommel is alive again. “Starting up the plant,” Mike grins. “Time to make some money.”

Back in Business

After weeks of frustration, all three Beets wash plants are finally running — for the first time this season. At Paradise Hill, Mike’s been sluicing pay dirt from the Super Pit for three days straight.

“It’s nice to finally have that trommel working,” he says proudly. “Once I got the pump fixed, it’s been running smooth.”

Tony stops by to check progress and finds his son holding his own. “Pretty good to see Mike doing it all by himself,” he admits. “He’s been at it long enough. Now let’s see if he can bring in some real gold.”

Counting the Gold

With three plants running, the Beets family gathers to weigh their latest cleanups. To hit their season goal of 5,000 ounces, they’ll need to produce 230 ounces per week.

Mike’s cleanup from the Super Pit comes first — 236.05 ounces, worth roughly $600,000.

“Not bad, Michael,” Tony says with a rare smile. “That’s about three ounces an hour — $150,000 in three days.”

The crew moves on to the next plant — 202.1 ounces from Monica’s run — and adds it all up.

Together, the Beets operation hauls in 523.85 ounces of gold this week — valued at over $1.3 million, the biggest total of the season.

A King’s Reward

Tony leans over the cleanup table, gold gleaming under the lights. “I’ll take it,” he says simply.

His empire may be stretched thin, but his strategy is working. With three wash plants running, his family united, and the ounces piling up, the King of the Klondike is back in full command — and his 5,000-ounce goal is suddenly within reach.

“I’m Parker Schnabel, and you’re watching Discovery Australia,” Parker signs off with a grin. “Hit subscribe now so you don’t miss any Gold Rush content.”