In a groundbreaking development for gold mining on the Bering Sea, Shawn Pomrenke, affectionately known as Mr. Gold, has taken a monumental step forward by installing a custom-built wash plant on his much-anticipated mega dredge. This ambitious project, years in the making, marks a new era for Pomrenke Mining, aiming to transform the gold dredging landscape with unprecedented efficiency.
The newly installed wash plant is the heart of Pomrenke’s mega dredge, designed to process an astounding 400 yards of sediment per hour, potentially generating $150,000 each day. As winter looms, the race against time and nature intensifies, with Shawn and his crew working tirelessly to assemble the massive machinery before the harsh weather halts their progress.
The mega dredge’s capabilities far surpass those of Pomrenke’s current vessel, the Christine Rose. Once fully operational, it will process 9,600 cubic yards of gold-rich ground daily, equivalent to the volume of 30 cement trucks every hour. This is a significant upgrade, boasting seven times the gold extraction power of the Christine Rose.
Shawn’s drive is fueled by more than just innovation; a fierce rivalry with fellow miner Ken Kerr pushes him to reach a milestone of 1,000 ounces for the season. The mega dredge is crucial to achieving this goal, as each minute and every ounce of gold counts in this high-stakes competition.
The installation process presented several challenges, notably the final placement of the wash plant amidst howling winds, requiring precise crane maneuvers to avoid catastrophic mishaps. Despite these obstacles, the team’s effort paid off, inching closer to completing a machine that could potentially dominate the gold mining industry in Alaska.
As the season wraps up, the Pomrenke team looks toward a future where their new mega dredge could set new standards for efficiency and profitability in gold dredging, embodying Shawn’s vision and possibly securing his lead against competitors in the fierce gold rush of the Bering Sea.
