Ep 7. Running on Empty

The show Jade Fever follows the journey of the Bunce family, who run their jade mining operation in Northern British Columbia. In season 5 episode 7, titled "Running on Empty," the family faces multiple challenges as they continue their search for valuable jade stones.

The episode begins with Claudia Bunce, the mother of the family, worrying about their fuel situation. With only six weeks left in the mining season, their fuel tanks are running low. They need to refuel their heavy machinery and boats to continue their mining operations. But, it's not easy to get fuel in the remote area where they are staying. The closest fuel station is miles away, and the Bunce family must travel there and back any time they need to refuel. The situation is further complicated by the fact that they don't have any backup generators or extra fuel tanks. So, they need to be careful about their fuel usage to avoid being stranded in the remote wilderness.

While Claudia worries about the fuel, her son Justin and his team continue their search for jade stones in the nearby mountains. They have set up a camp in a new area and are hoping to strike it rich. But, their efforts are hampered by the weather. The rainy season has begun early, making it difficult to work in the slippery and muddy terrain. To make matters worse, the rain also causes landslides and rockfalls, which pose serious risks to their safety. However, Justin is determined to find the jade he needs to keep the family business afloat.

Meanwhile, Claudia's husband Robin is back at their home base, trying to keep things running smoothly. He is in charge of the core shed, where they cut and polish the jade stones they mine. He is also responsible for the logistics of getting their equipment and supplies to and from the mine site. With the fuel situation being critical, he needs to make some tough decisions about how they will manage their limited resources.

The episode also features scenes of the family members bonding and goofing around together. They all work hard, but they also recognize the importance of taking breaks and enjoying each other's company. They play games, have meals together, and even go fishing in their spare time. These scenes give viewers a glimpse into the tight-knit relationships in the Bunce family.

As the episode progresses, the challenges facing the family mount. Justin's team makes a big discovery, but it comes with its own set of problems. They have found a large deposit of jade stones, but the area is unstable and unsafe to work in. They need to come up with a plan to secure the area before they can start mining. Meanwhile, Claudia and Robin have to deal with a logistical nightmare when their fuel delivery is delayed due to a barge accident.

Overall, season 5 episode 7 of Jade Fever is a compelling look at the obstacles and challenges faced by the Bunce family in their quest for valuable jade stones. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, the family remains resilient and determined to succeed. The episode showcases the family's strong bond and their ability to work together in the face of adversity.