I’ve been an amateur gold prospector for almost 15 years. Anyone who thinks they’re going to find enough gold to even pay expenses is in for a rude awakening.
It’s a hobby! Last year was the first year when we may have found enough gold to (maybe) pay for the fuel to drive to the diggings.
Gold prospecting is the hardest work you can do for less than minimum wage. It bears an uncanny resemblence to shoveling rocks.