Decades ago, Tony Beets made the bold decision to leave his homeland and move to Canada in pursuit of the riches hidden beneath the rugged landscape. Drawn by the allure of gold mining, he has since established himself as one of the most renowned gold miners in the Yukon, known far and wide as the “King of Klondike” on the hit show Gold Rush.
Tony’s reputation has grown over the years as both a tough leader and the master of his craft. With his 64th birthday just a few months away, most people might begin to think about winding down their careers, especially in a physically demanding industry like gold mining, which requires not only stamina but also the resilience to face daily dangers. However, Tony Beets is not most people. Mining for gold is known for its hard, grueling labor, as well as the inherent risks that come with it, but for Tony, it’s more than just a job—it’s a way of life.
When asked about his thoughts on retirement, he made it clear that stepping away from the mining world wasn’t on his radar. In a candid interview, Tony explained his stance. “Retire? I don’t think we’ll ever retire,” he said confidently. “I can’t speak for Minnie, but we work 7 months in the year, and then we have 5 months of holiday already.” While many might dream of a laid-back retirement, sipping drinks by the pool, Tony seems to find the very idea unappealing. “Why would you sit beside the pool and have a beer when you can enjoy gold mining here in the Yukon?” he asked.
For Tony, gold mining is both a passion and a profession, one that he’s not willing to give up anytime soon. At 64, Tony Beets is still relatively young in the context of gold mining. Many miners, including Grandpa John Schnabel from Gold Rush, remained involved in the industry well into their later years. John Schnabel, who was actively mining into his 80s and 90s, serves as a prime example of how age doesn’t necessarily dictate when someone should stop. Tony likely sees no reason to retire just yet, given that Schnabel stayed active long past what might be considered a traditional retirement age.
Tony and his wife Minnie already enjoy a significant amount of downtime, as they take 5 months off each year after working for 7 months. This schedule gives them ample time to rest and recharge, which balances out the intense physical work required during the mining season. In many ways, this already mirrors a semi-retired lifestyle, offering both work and leisure in almost equal parts.
For Tony, gold mining is more than just a job—it’s his passion and a long-held dream. When a person’s career aligns with their personal interests, it becomes much harder for them to walk away. Mining is Tony’s way of life, and the excitement of finding gold, running his operation, and being in control of a lucrative enterprise fuels him. In this sense, Tony’s continued work could be seen as a form of retirement already, as he’s essentially living his dream every day.
Beyond the income from mining, Tony and his family also receive substantial money from their starring roles on Gold Rush. The revenue generated from their involvement in the show supplements their earnings from gold mining, making their financial situation secure. With this extra income stream, there’s no pressing need for Tony to retire in the traditional sense, as he’s already benefiting from both his mining efforts and the TV show. This dual income allows him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without the burden of overwork.
It’s likely that Tony Beets will never fully retire, at least not in the conventional sense. With his current balance of work and rest, combined with his passion for mining and the financial cushion provided by Gold Rush, Tony is living a form of semi-retirement already. His continued activity may mirror that of Grandpa Schnabel, who worked well into his advanced years, meaning Tony will probably stay involved in mining as long as his health allows. Ultimately, Tony’s work is both his passion and his retirement dream rolled into one.
Since becoming a prominent figure on Gold Rush, Tony Beets has brought his entire family into the fold, transforming the mining operation into a multigenerational affair. He’s built not only a thriving business but also a legacy that could last well beyond his time if his children decide to follow in his footsteps. The Beets family has earned millions over the years, but for Tony, the real success lies in having his family by his side, working together and growing stronger as a team.
His wife Minnie and their three children, Kevin, Mike, and Monica, are all integral parts of the operation. They’ve developed their own unique skills and have become pivotal to the family’s mining efforts. While Tony and Minnie enjoy working alongside their children, they’ve never pressured them into staying in the mining industry. The decision to continue the family business is one they’ve left entirely up to their kids.
And although Tony doesn’t plan on retiring, he understands that the future of the Beets mining empire may ultimately rest in the hands of his children. When asked about the possibility of his children carrying on the legacy, Tony was pragmatic: “If they do, fine. If they don’t, fine. Hopefully, they’ll find something they love as much as mining,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be mining, just whatever suits them.” Minnie, who has been a steadfast partner in both life and business, echoed Tony’s sentiments: “I can’t speak for my kids,” she shared. “They are all adults, right? It’s up to them if they want to continue, and if not, well, I can’t speak for them in that regard.”
The Beets children, now grown adults, have had years of experience in the family business, and while it remains unclear whether they’ll continue, they’ve each proven themselves to be vital to the operation. Kevin, the eldest, has emerged as an expert mechanic, known for his tenacity when it comes to fixing equipment. According to Minnie, Kevin “doesn’t let up until he fixes it,” a quality that has made him indispensable in the harsh mining environment, where equipment is always prone to breakdowns.
Mike, on the other hand, has developed a deep proficiency with heavy machinery, operating the equipment with a level of skill that makes him invaluable to the team. Minnie proudly noted, “Mike is really, really, really good on equipment.” The youngest of the Beets clan, Monica, has taken on a more interpersonal role within the family. Known for her ability to mediate between her two brothers, Monica serves as the peacekeeper, ensuring that the operation runs smoothly. Tony often speaks of how Mon helps keep Kevin and Mike in line: “Monica makes a good match between the two boys,” he said. “She keeps them all nice and in line sometimes. They make a good group, the three of them.”
As fans of Gold Rush have seen over the years, the Beets children have become seasoned miners in their own right. Their combined talents and strong work ethic make them a formidable team. The question of whether they’ll carry on their parents’ legacy remains open, but one thing is certain: they have all the tools they need to succeed if they choose to stay in the business.
While Tony and Minnie are proud of the mining empire they’ve built, they’ve made it clear that their children’s happiness is their top priority—whether that happiness is found in gold mining or another career. For now, though, the Beets family remains a united front in the world of gold mining. As Tony, Minnie, Kevin, Mike, and Monica continue their work, they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
The future of the Beets family mining operation may be uncertain, but with the experience and passion they’ve cultivated over the years, the next generation has every opportunity to take the reins and continue the legacy in the Great White North. Whether they stay in mining or explore other paths, the Beets children will undoubtedly carry the pride of their family name into whatever they do.
