We had the chance to interview, Claudia Bunce, matriarch of the Bunce jade mining family, and star of the hit jade mining Canadian reality TV show, Jade Fever. Let’s provide a little background. Claudia’s father, Steve Simonovic, a jade miner himself, moved the family to British Columbia to the area now known as Jade City. It was there, as a young girl, that Claudia fell in love with jade. As an adult, she returned to Jade City. And now she and her husband, Robin, live there determined to make their dream come true; to establish Jade City as the jade capital of Canada.
Their journey is captured on tape in the reality television series, Jade Fever. Claudia and Robin mine a huge jade claim and employ most of the community (35 people.) Needless to say, the undertaking to make this dream a reality hasn’t exactly been easy. If they succeed, everyone wins; if they fail, they and the whole town are in trouble.
Jade Fever’s sixth season recently premiered on March 23 on The Discovery Channel Canada. This mining season The Bunces kick off their mining season on a high note when a buyer from Vietnam orders two huge slabs of jade for life-size Buddha carvings. After years of struggling to survive in the jade mining business, this sale could be the game-changer Claudia’s been waiting for.
We talked to Claudia about her love affair with jade and mining, Jade Fever, what we can expect from season six and more.
Hi; Claudia Bunce! Thanks so much for allowing us to interview you! You are a miner. Your father was a miner. How long have you been involved in mining?
“Thank you for this. Yes, I became interested in mining when my dad mined in the 1970s. But I never thought about actually doing it until 2001 when I built a jade store.”
That’s a pretty good gap of time. So, most likely you had plans of doing something else. What was your Plan B?
“I wanted to stay home and raise my kids. What a change of plans!”
I’ll say. Although that was a great plan too. So, you are a miner and star in your own hit reality show. Please tell us how the show Jade Fever came about? Take us through the process.
“My husband Robin did a news interview about mining in BC, someone in Hollywood and someone at Omnifilm in Canada saw the interview. They asked if we wanted to do a documentary type show. We said yes to Canada and here we are six years later.”
That’s pretty fantastic. Congratulations on your six seasons later. That is awesome. What have been some of your favorite highlights over the seasons?
“Wow, ever year is another step to the next year. I wouldn’t change a thing, good or bad. So, I would say living the whole dream is the highlight.”
“Living the whole dream is the highlight.” We love that Claudia. We will be borrowing that one. LOL. We are curious. What is something your audience would be surprised to know that happens when the cameras aren’t rolling?
“I swear a lot. My dad was a trucker then a jade miner. I blame it on him!”
Ha! Genetics are real. As we have mentioned, Jade Fever is in its sixth season. What can you tell us about season six? What are you the most excited about for the fans to see?
“Season six is different from any other year of mining because something happens before the mining even starts. It changes how we mine for the entire year.”
Intriguing. Claudia, for someone who might not be familiar with the show; can you tell them why they should watch?
“We are a Canadian family working hard to make it in a difficult industry. We love each other and get through the toughest situations together all the while mining for jade. I think the concepts of family, love, working hard and overcoming obstacles is something everyone can relate to. It is a good show.”
Those are great reasons to watch. Mining is hard work and we are sure it takes up a lot of your time. But what do you like to do when you aren’t mining?
“Spending time with our crew is everything to us. We love to be together. We have fun together whether we are mining or not.”
That’s wonderful. Claudia, good luck to you on season six. And much continued success with the show and living the dream. Is there anything else you wish to share with us?
“You know none of my success would have been possible if not for my dad. He lost his leg to diabetes and is fighting for his life. I would love to get him back to Jade City. It is what is keeping him alive. I owe all of this to him.”
Our thoughts and prayers for healing and restoration to your dad, Claudia. Also, you and your family stay safe and well especially during these times.
Thanks again, Claudia!
Watch Jade Fever on Discovery Channel Canada!