“Ice Cold Gold” was a unique reality TV series that captured the imagination of viewers when it premiered on Animal Planet in 2013. It followed a group of American miners and geologists venturing into the frigid and rugged terrains of Greenland, driven by the dream of striking it rich by uncovering precious gems and minerals. Among the most coveted of their finds were Greenland rubies, thought to be among the purest and most beautiful in the world. However, as the series faded from the airwaves, so did the public conversation about the rubies. So, what really happened to those precious stones?
The Lure of Greenland’s Rubies
Greenland is not the first place that comes to mind when people think of mining. But beneath its icy surface lies a treasure trove of minerals, including sapphires, gold, and rubies. The rubies found in Greenland are particularly interesting due to their high quality and deep, rich red hue.
For the men featured on “Ice Cold Gold,” the allure of discovering a ruby deposit that could rival those found in Burma or Madagascar was too tempting to ignore. The team—made up of miners from the U.S. and led by seasoned gem hunters—set out to explore the harsh wilderness in hopes of staking their claim on untapped gem veins.
Promising Discoveries and High Hopes
Throughout the show’s run, the team made several notable discoveries. In particular, they found multiple locations where ruby-bearing rock was visible on the surface, a promising sign in the world of gemstone prospecting. The rubies they unearthed sparked excitement and speculation about the possibility of a major ruby mining boom in Greenland.
There were episodes dedicated to initial sampling, planning for larger operations, and negotiating mining rights. Viewers were treated to dramatic scenes of climbing glaciers, setting up base camps, and chipping away at ancient rock. At one point, the group believed they were sitting on a deposit worth tens of millions of dollars.
Legal and Environmental Challenges
Despite the promising finds, progress was not easy. The Greenland government, while interested in foreign investment, had strict regulations in place to protect the environment and Indigenous communities. This created significant hurdles for the miners, who had to obtain exploration licenses, environmental clearances, and long-term operating agreements.
Additionally, tensions arose between the American miners and local stakeholders. Issues of land rights, ecological preservation, and national control over natural resources created friction. These tensions played a role in slowing or halting efforts to develop full-scale ruby mining operations.
Internal Conflicts and the Show’s End
“Ice Cold Gold” ran for three seasons before being canceled. While the show had its share of fans, it struggled with ratings and consistency. The internal dynamics of the mining team—marked by disagreements, personality clashes, and shifting leadership—also took a toll on the group’s progress. Some team members left, while others grew disillusioned by the logistical and financial challenges of mining in such a remote area.
As the cameras stopped rolling, so did much of the momentum surrounding their ruby dreams. Without the backing of a television network or additional funding, the grand vision of a Greenland ruby boom began to fade.
The Fate of the Rubies
So, what happened to the rubies they discovered? The short answer is: not much, at least publicly. Small quantities of rubies may have been removed for appraisal or promotional purposes, but there was never a large-scale operation that brought Greenland rubies to the global market in a meaningful way.
Some of the mining claims were later taken over or contested by other companies or local enterprises with better infrastructure and support. Greenland, meanwhile, has continued to evaluate how best to manage its mineral resources, balancing the lure of foreign investment with long-term sustainability and sovereignty.
Legacy of the Ruby Hunt
While the American team didn’t become gemstone tycoons, “Ice Cold Gold” did play an important role in shining a spotlight on Greenland’s mineral wealth. The series introduced millions of viewers to the idea that one of the world’s coldest, most isolated regions could also be a source of stunning natural beauty and economic opportunity.
In retrospect, the show serves as a case study in the challenges of resource extraction in extreme environments. It’s a story not just about geology, but about ambition, human drama, and the complexities of working within foreign lands under unpredictable conditions.
Though the rubies may remain buried beneath Greenland’s icy crust, the story of their pursuit lives on as a frozen moment in the adventurous spirit of modern prospecting.
