Gold Diggers Tackle Reclamation and Strike Gold: A Week in the Life of Full-Time Prospectors
In an exciting yet challenging week on the job, full-time gold diggers Tyler and Re spent their days balancing the demands of land reclamation and gold prospecting. With their parents away, the two were tasked with completing five hectares of reclamation work—a project essential for maintaining the health of their mining leases.
As Tyler noted at the start of the week, the goal was clear: finish the reclamation and then squeeze in some gold hunting on the side. The reclamation, a vital step in ensuring the land can be safely restored after mining activities, is no easy task. Tyler shared the pressures they faced, particularly with the looming inspection from the Mines Department, a rare and highly scrutinized event. Failure to meet their reclamation goals could have serious repercussions, but the siblings pressed on, committed to completing their work.
The first few days were marked by constant movement: heavy machinery to clear trees, cut scrapes, and lay the foundation for successful reclamation. Tyler and Re had to stay focused, despite setbacks like hydraulic leaks and the occasional mishap—like when Tyler accidentally lost the bucket from his loader. But after some quick repairs, they were back on track.
Though their primary job was to focus on reclamation, the pair couldn’t resist the call of the gold in the hills. With each scrape they dug, there was always the chance of uncovering a hidden nugget. While the finds were mostly small, a few notable pieces kept their spirits high. A few flat gold nuggets were unearthed, showing promise despite the shallow wash. Still, their gold hunting was secondary to their reclamation work.
Despite the grueling physical demands, the pair managed to secure some gold. While there were no large, bonus nuggets, their combined efforts yielded around an ounce of gold—worth an impressive $445,000. That’s money in their pockets, with no company costs to pay back.
As the week came to a close, Tyler reflected on the exhaustion but also the satisfaction of the job well done. The machines were packed up and ready to move, and the reclamation area was looking better than ever.
“While the reclamation wasn’t easy, I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Tyler shared. “And the gold, while not massive, definitely added to the satisfaction.”
With a successful inspection behind them, the siblings are already planning their next venture, but for now, they’ll bask in the pride of a job well done—both in the earth and in the bank.
This story captures the challenges and rewards of a week in the life of full-time gold diggers, highlighting their determination, teamwork, and ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Their journey offers a glimpse into the hard work that goes into both reclaiming the land and searching for treasure beneath it.
