Family of gold hunters digs up large gold nuggets worth P12.2 million

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A crew unearthed two gold nuggets worth a total of A$350,000 (P12.2 million).

The Poseidon Crew, made up of brothers-in-law Ethan West and Brent Shannon, discovered two gold nuggets weighing 78 ounces (2.21 kilograms) and 45 ounces (1.27 kilograms) in a mining town in Victoria, Australia, with the help of Ethan’s father, Paul.

The crew’s recent prospect was featured in the TV show “Aussie Gold Hunters” on Discovery Channel, as per Bendigo Advertiser on Aug. 14.

The gold nuggets that the team found are the largest in the show’s history. The crew disclosed some of the challenges they had to face before they were able to mine in the area.

“We were in the grips of not being able to freely mine because we were unable to get the permits and licenses through in the time frame,” Shannon was quoted as saying.

Shannon added that the monetary side of finding gold “comes in last.”

“When you find large piece, you don’t automatically get excited,” he said. “In the first instance of seeing a big lump of gold, it’s not instantly joyous, it’s more a sense of accomplishment and history.”

For West, the feeling was different. “I’m always excited to see it and hold it,” he was quoted as saying. “That part is exciting—holding (a gold nugget) the size of a baseball is a surreal feeling.”

West also sees the monetary value of finding such a big chunk of gold.

“I see the prospect of making a lot of money,” he said. “When you see the size of the nugget and start working out what it’s worth, that’s pure relief.” Cha Lino /ra

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