There’s Gold in Them Hills: Canadian River Hides Treasure Trove of Gold, Prospectors Swarm

A modern day gold rush has hit Canada’s Yukon territory after a trove of gold nuggets was discovered in the Indian River. Amateur prospector Shawn Ryan initially found flakes of gold in the river silt in 2008. Since then, amateur and professional prospectors have flocked to the area as word spread of the bountiful deposits.

The area remained largely untouched by prospectors for decades due to heavy sediment flow that concealed the gold below. But receding river levels have now exposed the glittering bounty. Prospectors armed with simple tools like gold pans, sluice boxes, and metal detectors are pulling staggering amounts of gold from the river.

Nuggets weighing up to 20 ounces have been found, valued at over $25,000 each at current gold prices. Experts estimate millions of dollars worth of gold may be waiting to be found. “It’s a modern day gold rush, like back in the day of the Yukon Klondike,” said one amateur prospector. The richest finds lie along a 20 mile stretch of the river.

The Indian River strikes have sparked a frenzy among hobbyists and professionals. Makeshift mining camps line the river banks as people from across North America try their luck. But experts warn amateurs to be prepared for challenging conditions and work within regulations. The Yukon government requires all prospectors have proper permits and authorizations.

The remote wilderness location and short summer season limits access, but the lure of striking it rich is drawing eager prospectors willing to brave the conditions. “There’s gold fever here,” said one Yukon resident, “And when there’s gold, there’s always hope.” The Indian River discoveries prove that, even today, spectacular prizes still await those daring enough to search for them.

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