Ep 3. One Step Forward

Jade Fever is a reality show about a family who runs a jade mining business. In season 7 episode 3, entitled "One Step Forward", the Bunce family continues their quest to find the motherlode of jade in British Columbia, Canada.

The episode begins with Claudia and Robin exploring a new section of their mining claim. They have reason to believe that there may be jade in the area, but they must first do some test drilling to confirm their suspicions. This is no easy task, as the terrain is treacherous and the weather conditions are extreme. Despite the challenges, Claudia and Robin manage to extract some samples, which they send to their jade buyer for analysis.

Meanwhile, Guy and Scrappy are working on repairing a bulldozer that broke down during the previous episode. They need this machine to clear away the overburden that covers the jade deposits, so it is crucial that they get it up and running as soon as possible. Guy is confident that he can fix the bulldozer, but he underestimates the extent of the damage and soon realizes that he needs to order some replacement parts. This setback slows down their mining operations considerably.

Back at the jade buyer's office, Claudia and Robin anxiously await the results of their sample tests. After what feels like an eternity, they finally receive the news they have been waiting for: they have hit a rich vein of jade! This discovery is a gamechanger for the Bunces, as it means that they are one step closer to finding the motherlode. However, there is still a long way to go, and they must work fast to extract as much jade as they can from the area before the winter weather sets in.

With the bulldozer out of commission, Claudia and Robin take matters into their own hands and use hand tools to clear away the overburden. It is slow, back-breaking work, but they are determined to make progress. Meanwhile, Scrappy and Josh work on sorting through the jade that has already been mined. They must determine which pieces are of the highest quality, as these are the ones that will fetch the highest price.

As the days go by, the Bunces continue to chip away at the jade deposit. There are some setbacks along the way, such as a rainstorm that floods their mining pit and a broken generator that leaves them without power for a whole day. However, they persevere, knowing that every jade boulder they extract brings them closer to their ultimate goal.

In the end, the Bunces manage to mine a significant amount of jade from the deposit. However, they are still far from reaching the motherlode, and the weather is starting to turn. With winter just around the corner, the family must decide whether to continue mining in the same area or to move on to a new location. The decision they make will have a huge impact on their success, but they are determined to keep moving forward no matter what challenges come their way.