Ep 7. Family Matters

In the seventh episode of Gold Rush season 12, titled "Family Matters", the crew members are faced with a unique challenge. Tony Beets, the owner of the Tamarack mine, has been battling a broken pump for the past few days, which has hindered the gold production. The situation has been aggravated by another problem, as the team struggles to fix the worn-out sluice box that has increased the material wastage.

To add to their woes, the Beets family faces a crisis when their family member, Monica, goes missing. Tony is devastated, and the crew suspends mining operations to aid in the search for Monica. The Beets family even seeks the help of local authorities to locate her. The incident has left the family distraught, and Tony is worried about the fate of the mine.

Meanwhile, Rick Ness and his crew are struggling with equipment breakdowns, which have forced them to idle their operations in Montana. The broken truck engine has caused losses, delaying the crew's movement to the claim and setting them back by days.

On the other hand, Parker Schnabel and his team are flourishing at their Scribner Creek Claim. Despite concerns about their fuel supply, the team is hitting their gold targets efficiently. Parker aims to ramp up production by expanding his mining operation, and he plans to exploit the potential of the land by drilling more test holes. However, Parker's long-time friend and former crew member, Rick Ness, has quit Parker's mining operations to start his own venture.

In a bid to make up for the lack of staff, Parker hires a new crew member, who is a family friend. However, the new worker isn't familiar with the mining procedures, leading to some hiccups along the way. Parker also plans to resurrect an old wash plant lying derelict at the claim site. However, the plant will need significant repairs to run efficiently, and the crew is tasked with the job.

The episode also features a special appearance by Dave Turin, a mining expert, who helps Tony’s team with the broken pump. Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his contribution to the Tamarack mine could prove to be a game-changer.

As the episode progresses, the Beets family receives some good news, as Monica is found safe and sound. The family breathes a sigh of relief, and Tony resumes mining operations with a renewed vigor. The crew members work tirelessly to make up for the lost time and hit their gold targets with the chase for their ultimate goal of striking the motherlode firmly on everyone's mind.

In conclusion, the seventh episode of Gold Rush Season 12, titled "Family Matters," offers an emotional journey for the Beets family and brings forth the challenges of running a mining operation. Through the ups and downs, the crew members of the various mining sites strive towards their ultimate goal of striking the motherlode.