Rick Ness rejected a risky mining contract, while crews battled floods and setbacks to advance their gold goals.

Rick Ness, after losing his water license at Duncan Creek, leased new mining rights at Lightning Creek from former landlord Troy Taylor but rejected a contract giving Taylor excessive control, including the power to terminate the deal within three days if $20,000 monthly payments weren’t met. Meanwhile, Parker Schnabel’s crew achieved strong results at the Golden Mile and Bridge Cuts, contributing to his 10,000-ounce goal despite flooding and equipment issues. Tony Beets faced setbacks from rookie operators damaging expensive equipment but found pay dirt at the Early Bird Cut. Tyson Lee managed new hires and site challenges, including a flooded culvert resolved by a new worker. The season’s focus on risk, adaptation, and high-stakes decision-making continued across all crews.