Gold Rush crews hit it big — Parker, Beets, and Ness strike over $27 million in gold before season's end

Gold Rush Season 15 returned on April 4, 2025, with back-to-back episodes, following Parker Schnabel, Tony Beets, and Rick Ness as they continue their late-season push. With gold prices high and winter fast approaching, the pressure was on to meet ambitious goals.

In episodes 20 and 21, despite various setbacks, all three crews collectively recovered over $27 million worth of gold even before the season officially concluded. For Rick Ness and his team, the focus remained on the Vegas Valley, while Parker Schnabel invested heavily to open a new section of Dominion Creek. Meanwhile, Tony Beets brought his old dredge back into action to make up for earlier delays.

Each crew faced its own challenges—from equipment malfunctions to strained crew dynamics—but all made progress toward their season targets. Rick’s morale got a boost from a returning friend, though it came with heartbreaking personal news. Tony’s dredge faced technical difficulties, and Parker had to take financial risks for a potential big return.

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Rick Ness receives morale boost, but Monster Red faces hurdles in Gold Rush

Rick Ness entered the back-to-back episodes hoping to prove that the Vegas Valley would yield a major return after a significant financial and time investment. “It’s lit up like it’s Christmas,” Ness said after finally getting Monster Red running and seeing promising output.

However, relocating the massive wash plant didn’t go smoothly. Foreman Buzz Legault placed it incorrectly, adding tension after a prior disagreement. Despite those issues, sluicing at the Vegas Valley finally began.

The first clean-up came in at 56.07 ounces. Ness initially let the crew believe that was it—but then revealed an additional 200 ounces had been recovered, totaling over $670,000. “We’re halfway to the promised land,” he told them.

Meanwhile, morale saw a lift with the return of Ness’ best friend Brian “Zee” Zaremba. But the joy was tempered by personal tragedy—Zee shared that his wife Chelsea had been diagnosed with two forms of cancer at age 33. Despite the diagnosis, Chelsea encouraged Zee to help out the crew.

Equipment troubles continued, including smoke from the feed conveyor traced to a rock and holes in the screen deck in Gold Rush. Still, the crew pushed through. With five weeks of effort behind them and thousands still to recover, Ness’ team made critical progress.

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Tony and Parker ramp up efforts as gold totals soar past $27 million

Tony Beets worked to close the gap on his 5,000-ounce goal by bringing back his 85-year-old dredge after delays at Indian River in Gold Rush. The dredge was initially stuck, and later found to be sinking on one side due to a leaking pontoon. Pumps were installed and after a two-day delay, operations resumed.

A clean-up from Mike’s Paradise Hill Trommel brought in 251.48 ounces. Additional gold came from the Comeback Cut extension and final dredge work, bringing Tony’s season total to 4,800 ounces worth $12.6 million. Parker Schnabel, on the other hand, focused on Elbow Cut and spent heavily to uncover potential pay dirt.

The team had to remove two feet of overburden and frozen ground in Gold Rush. Despite crew fatigue and risk, the move paid off. Big Red’s cleanup at the Bridge Cut gave 100.10 ounces, while Elbow Cut returned 282.30 ounces, valued at nearly $740,000. That pushed Parker’s season total to 5,425.4 ounces, worth more than $14 million.

Together with Ness’ progress, the three crews surpassed $27 million in gold before season’s end. With a few weeks left, each operation remains focused on wrapping up strong while navigating equipment issues, personal struggles, and unpredictable weather conditions.

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Gold Rush episodes are available to stream on Discovery Channel.