Dave Turin's Mining Journey: From Gold Rush To Lost Mine & Beyond

05 May, 2025

Is there a story in the modern gold rush thats more compelling than the saga of Dave Turin, "Dozer Dave," the man who bulldozed his way into the hearts of television audiences? Dave Turin, a name synonymous with grit, determination, and the unforgiving pursuit of gold, has carved a unique path in the world of reality television and the mining industry, becoming a household name in the process.

From his initial appearances as a consultant to the Hoffman crew on "Gold Rush" to leading his own show, "Dave Turin's Lost Mine," Turin's journey has been one of relentless dedication and a deep understanding of the earth's treasures. His career, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, offers a fascinating look into the life of a man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, both literally and figuratively. His expertise extends beyond the screen; he's a civil engineer by trade, bringing a level of technical know-how to the demanding world of mining that few possess. Despite the challenges, the constant pressure, and the inherent risks involved, Turin's passion for the industry has never wavered. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the allure of the precious metal that has captivated humanity for centuries. And the recent developments in his career indicate an unexpected twist in the already exciting narrative.

Category	Details
Full Name	Dave Turin
Known As	Dozer Dave
Date of Birth	April 21, 1959
Birthplace	Sandy, Oregon
Occupation	Quarry and Mining Expert, TV Personality
Years in Mining	17 years (including 4 years in gold mining)
Notable Shows	Gold Rush, Dave Turin's Lost Mine, America's Backyard Gold
Former Affiliation	Hoffman Crew (Gold Rush)
Education	Civil Engineer
Net Worth (approx.)	$2 million (as of 2023)
Religious Affiliation	Catholic
Related to	Todd Hoffman (friend)
Retirement Status	Retired from Mining (announced at the end of Lost Mine season 4)
Reference	Discovery Channel Official Website

The story of "Dozer Dave" begins in Sandy, Oregon, where he was born on April 21, 1959. Raised in a Catholic household, Turin's upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of community, values that would serve him well in the challenging world of gold mining. His journey into the industry wasn't immediate; he started his career as a civil engineer, a foundation that would later prove invaluable in his mining endeavors. However, the allure of gold eventually proved irresistible. The precise moment he made the leap into the industry is hard to pinpoint, but it's known that he has spent a significant amount of time, over 17 years, in the mining sector, with 4 years specifically focused on gold. Hes not just a miner; he's a master of the earth, understanding the complexities of rock and terrain that holds the precious metal.

His initial foray into the world of reality television began with "Gold Rush," a show that documented the struggles and triumphs of miners in their quest for gold. Turin's expertise was quickly recognized, and he initially served as a consultant, providing valuable advice and guidance to the Hoffman crew, led by his friend Todd Hoffman, whom he knew from church prior to the show's inception. During the first season in Alaska, Turin didn't actively participate in the mining with the group, but his knowledge was sought after by Todd Hoffman. However, his role soon expanded, and he became a key member of the team, known for his skill with heavy machinery, particularly his adeptness with a bulldozer. His role was significant in helping the team navigate the difficult terrain and extract the precious metal. His nickname, "Dozer Dave," was earned for his ability to skillfully maneuver heavy equipment, making him an indispensable asset to the crew. His work ethic and knowledge of the industry quickly made him a fan favorite, drawing viewers with his pragmatic approach and down-to-earth personality. He was seen as a voice of reason and a reliable presence amidst the chaos and the high stakes of the gold rush.

Turin's tenure on "Gold Rush" wasn't without its share of drama. Season 7 saw a major turning point when he left the show after a conflict with Trey Poulson. This departure marked the end of an era, leaving fans wondering what the future held for the beloved miner. But the story didn't end there. Instead of fading into the background, Turin embarked on a new chapter, returning to the Discovery Channel with his own series, "Dave Turin's Lost Mine."

In "Dave Turin's Lost Mine," he took center stage, guiding a team of miners as they attempted to resurrect abandoned gold mines across the western United States. The show, which premiered on March 8, 2019, chronicled Turin's attempts to find the right mine and help his team achieve new levels of success. Unlike "Gold Rush," where he was part of a larger crew, in his own series, he was the man in charge. He was the driving force, making the key decisions and taking on the responsibility of turning dreams into reality. This role gave viewers an even deeper understanding of his capabilities and the challenges he faced. His approach in "Lost Mine" mirrored his approach in "Gold Rush": a combination of technical expertise, determination, and a strong work ethic. The initial episode took its first stop in familiar territory, the first season of the show showcased Dave's skill in action.

The series, which aired for four seasons, was a testament to Turin's resilience and his ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. He visited several disused gold mines around the western United States and decided which mine to get up and running. The focus was on turning these forgotten sites into profitable, working mines, an endeavor that required a blend of technical skills, business acumen, and unwavering resolve. However, the series also showed the toll the work was taking. The intense pressure and the long hours led to high levels of stress for the team, ultimately leading to the show's cancellation, according to an interview in early 2024, even though he had previously indicated his retirement. Even though the show has concluded, the mark it left on the audience has not. The initial run of "Dave Turin's Lost Mine" was completed by the end of 2022, where the fans witnessed the farewell.

In a surprising turn of events, Turin announced his retirement from mining at the end of the fourth season of "Dave Turin's Lost Mine." It was a decision that saddened many of his fans, who had grown to admire his unwavering spirit and his passion for the industry. The emotional and physical demands of the job, combined with the desire to spend more time with his family, likely influenced this significant life change. He specifically named a desire to mine with his father as repayment for trusting him throughout the years during Gold Rush. Despite the fact that the show ended, and he announced his retirement, the audience was also interested in the fact that he has returned with "America's Backyard Gold".

Yet, Turin's connection with the mining world wasn't entirely severed. He returned to the Discovery Channel with the new series, "America's Backyard Gold," in which he helps everyday miners with his expertise. This shows a different facet of Turin's personality, that he's always willing to share his knowledge and experience. The show shows how a fun hobby can be turned into an opportunity to earn. With a sneak preview and digital exclusive with Dave Turin, the Gold Rush star whose discovery series, America's Backyard Gold, shows you can turn a fun hobby into money. Idaho Today shared this information with the audience. His net worth is approximately $2 million dollar as of 2023, reflecting his success. As a civil engineer, he applied his knowledge and expertise to the mining field. He understands the technicalities of the job and can navigate the difficult terrain. Furthermore, his net worth is not only a reflection of his success as a mining expert, but also his skills as a television personality.

Beyond his work on television, Turin has also been involved in various ventures, including collaborations with companies like Lincoln Electric and Gresham Ford. These partnerships reflect his reputation and his ability to connect with audiences. He is now back with America's Backyard Gold, helping everyday miners with his expertise. He said he is 57 during the 2016 mining season (season 8: "Gold Rush"). His deep industry experience and extensive knowledge make him a good choice to take help from.

Dave Turin's story is more than just a tale of gold mining and reality television. It's a story of a man who has found his niche in life. From battling the elements to the constant search for riches, Turin's career is a compelling tale for anyone who watches it. He has created a family along the way, as expressed, Not just a crew, but a family. Turin's journey proves that with hard work, grit, and a strong sense of community, anything is possible.

The Untold Truth Of Gold Rush's Dave Turin

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About Dave Turin (Dozer Dave) « Dozer Dave Turin

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