Gold Rush star Parker Schnabel has captivated fans for years. His fearless approach to gold mining and relentless drive for success do it. But, as he starts Season 15, Schnabel is more reflective than ever. He is concerned about the cost of his dedication, especially to his personal life.
At 30 years old, Parker has already mined over 63,000 ounces of gold, worth nearly $100 million. Yet, he confesses that his relentless career leaves little room for romance.
Schnabel spoke candidly to PEOPLE. He revealed that his unusual job has made dating complicated. “I try to explain it in a way that doesn’t sound like Mad Max,” he joked, adding, “I’m in the woods and you’re living in a f—ing bunker washing rocks, looking for little shiny rocks.”
While his mining empire is impressive, it hasn’t been without sacrifices. “Then it makes dating incredibly difficult,” Parker admitted. “They’re like, ‘What do you do?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know.’”
Despite his focus on his career, he does hope to have a family one day. “I do hope to have a family and a life outside of TV eventually,” he shared, but suspects that might only happen once Gold Rush has ended.
Parker has worked with a lot of folks over the years!
— Gold Rush (@Gold_Rush) November 14, 2024
If you could bring back one person from #GoldRush to work on a mine now, who would it be?
Don't miss the new episode of #GoldRush Friday 8p on @discovery and streaming on @discoveryplus
#ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/TOmv4kB3gQ
Gold Rush: Parker’s Rocky Romantic History
Fans might remember Parker Schnabel’s past relationship with Australian veterinary nurse Ashley Youle, introduced in Gold Rush Season 7. The couple shared sweet on-screen moments, with Ashley even joining Parker’s gold-mining team.
But as Parker admits, his career ultimately came between them. By 2018, they had split, and Parker confessed that the strain of his work and personal challenges played a significant role. “That was a hard lesson,” he’s reflected before, emphasizing how gold mining’s all-consuming nature leaves little room for maintaining meaningful relationships.
Still, Parker remains determined to achieve balance one day, but for now, his eyes are fixed on his latest venture – Dominion Creek.
Gold Rush: Parker Bets Big on Dominion Creek Claim
In Season 15, Parker Schnabel makes a huge gamble. He stakes everything on the vast Dominion Creek claim.
This mining site could yield untapped resources valued at a staggering $200 million, but the risks are high. “We’ve built a house of cards; it won’t take much of a breeze to blow it all down,” Parker ominously declared in a Season 15 preview.
He aims to extract 10,000 ounces of gold this season, but every move is a high-stakes dance. Time constraints on crucial permits and water licenses hang over his head like a ticking time bomb.
The pressure to deliver has never been greater, and one wrong step could send his empire into financial ruin. “I think the best investment you can make is in yourself,” Parker told the Gold Rush audience, underscoring his commitment to his work.
Adding to the stress is the rising cost of gold, which has also altered the landscape of mining in the Yukon, further complicating Parker’s plans. Yet, he remains steadfast, determined to make Dominion Creek his crowning achievement.
Gold Rush: Following in His Grandfather’s Legendary Footsteps
Parker Schnabel’s mining passion was ignited early on by his grandfather, the late John Schnabel.
A legend in the industry, John started teaching Parker the ins and outs of mining when he was just a child. By age 15, Parker had joined the family business, Big Nugget. He learned to operate heavy machinery before his feet touched the pedals.
John’s influence on Parker’s life is undeniable. In Season 14, Parker paid tribute to his grandfather and the miners of the Klondike Gold Rush, even allowing cameras to capture John’s funeral.
The emotional moment highlighted just how deep Parker’s commitment to his craft runs. “He taught me everything,” Parker has said of his grandfather, acknowledging that John’s wisdom and support were foundational to his incredible career.
