Ep 3. The Fifty Ounce Test

Dave Turin's quest to uncover lost gold mines continues in season three of Gold Rush: Dave Turin's Lost Mine. In episode three titled The Fifty Ounce Test, Dave travels to Montana with his team to search for a lost mine that could yield a fortune in gold.

The episode starts off with Dave discussing his strategy with his team, which includes his son and a group of miners who have worked with him for years. They have a tip from a local historian about a lost mine that produced a large amount of gold in the past. Dave believes that the key to finding the mine is to follow the water source, which was crucial for gold mining in the past.

The team starts their search by taking samples from nearby stream beds and analyzing the soil for signs of gold. They use a sophisticated drone to map the area and identify potential spots where the gold could be buried. As they work, Dave explains that gold mining is a risky business, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be successful.

After several days of searching, the team finally hits paydirt – a large vein of gold that could be worth millions. But before they start mining, Dave decides to do a "fifty-ounce test" to determine the quality of the gold. This test involves smelting a small amount of gold and weighing it to determine the purity of the ore.

As they wait for the test results, Dave and his team discuss the potential value of the mine. They estimate that the mine could yield up to $3 million worth of gold, but they also acknowledge that there are many factors that could affect the outcome.

Finally, the test results come back and Dave is thrilled to discover that the gold is of high quality. He decides to move forward with mining the site, but they soon encounter a problem. The gold is buried deep underground and they don't have the equipment to reach it.

Dave has a decision to make – invest in more equipment and risk losing money if they don't find enough gold, or walk away from the mine and cut their losses. He consults with his team and they decide to take the risk and buy the equipment.

The rest of the episode follows the team as they work to mine the gold. They encounter several setbacks, including a problem with their water supply and a cave-in that traps one of their team members. But through hard work and determination, they eventually reach the gold and are able to extract it.

In the end, Dave reflects on the lessons he has learned throughout the journey. He acknowledges that gold mining is a risky business, but he also believes that hard work and dedication can lead to success. The episode ends with Dave and his team celebrating their successful mining operation and looking forward to their next adventure.

Overall, The Fifty Ounce Test is an exciting and suspenseful episode that showcases the challenges and rewards of gold mining. It highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and taking calculated risks in order to achieve success. Gold Rush: Dave Turin's Lost Mine season three continues to deliver high-stakes drama and compelling storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.