Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are created and transactions are verified and added to the blockchain network. It involves powerful computers solving complex mathematical problems to secure the Bitcoin network and maintain its decentralized nature. Individuals, companies, and even specialized mining pools participate in this process, known as miners. These miners play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and security of the Bitcoin network. As the number of bitcoins in circulation is limited, mining also serves as a means of distributing new bitcoins. Miners are rewarded with newly minted bitcoins for their computational efforts and the energy they contribute to the network. Bitcoin mining has evolved over time, with the advent of more efficient hardware and the rise of mining farms. These farms, often operated by companies, leverage economies of scale to maximize their mining capabilities. Additionally, mining protocols and algorithms have been developed to adapt to the increasing computational power and maintain the network's stability. Crypto exchanges facilitate the trading of bitcoins, allowing miners to convert their earned bitcoins into traditional currencies or other cryptocurrencies. This dynamic ecosystem of people, companies, protocols, and blockchain networks collectively contribute to the functioning and growth of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market.

Videos

Is Bitcoin Mining Really Bad for the Environment?

It’s Earth Day, and many in the crypto sphere are thinking about ways to make crypto mining more environmentally friendly. Jesse Phillips of Binance Mining Pool joins “First Mover” to discuss the energy impact of crypto mining, how it compares to the fiat economy, and how mining pools can make crypto mining more eco-friendly.

Apr 22, 2021

Tech

Everything We Want Costs Energy, Including Bitcoin

What’s essential is situating bitcoin mining and energy in a larger context.

By Benjamin PowersApr 22, 2021

How do we ascribe value to the "stuff" we want?

Tech

CoinDesk Research: Does Bitcoin Have an Energy Problem?

Bitcoin does consume a lot of energy, but it also incentivizes renewable energy through improving economics and distribution.

By Noelle AchesonApr 22, 2021

A distributed datacenter designed to capture methane emissions from oil and gas operations to power bitcoin mining.

Finance

Bitcoin Broker NYDIG Acquires Firm That Finances Mining Farms

The Stone Ridge spin-off is adding Arctos Capital to the mix.

By Zack SewardApr 22, 2021

Videos

How a Chinese Mining Accident Caused a Bitcoin 'Flash Crash'

Blackouts in China caused by coal plant accidents have been blamed for knocking out the world's biggest bitcoin mining operation in Xinjiang and cutting the global hashrate by nearly 50%. But despite the panic, the Bitcoin network continued to function normally. Jason Les of Riot Blockchain joins "First Mover" to discuss the resilience of the Bitcoin network.

Apr 21, 2021

Markets

Bitcoin Miner Manufacturer Ebang Sued for ‘Misleading’ Statements, Financials

The lawsuit comes on the heels of a research report that highlights the allegedly misleading business practices.

By Colin Harper, Blockspace MediaApr 21, 2021

Markets

Bitcoin Transactions Are More Expensive Than Ever

The all-time high in fees coincides with a perfect storm of all-time highs in difficulty and block demand.

By Colin Harper, Blockspace MediaApr 21, 2021

Various data from mempool.space detailing bitcoin transaction costs. (April 21, 2021)

Markets

Canaan to Supply 11,760 Bitcoin Miners to Mawson’s Australian, US Operations

The Chinese bitcoin miner manufacturer will ship and install A1246 ASIC AvalonMiners for Mawson Infrastructure.

By Tanzeel AkhtarApr 21, 2021

Markets

Bitfarms Plans 210 MW Bitcoin Mining Facility in Argentina

The Canadian mining firm’s project will be able to power some 55,000 new-generation mining machines.

By Cameron HoodApr 19, 2021

Tech

DMG Purchases 3,600 ASICs in North American Bitcoin Mining Expansion

The Canadian firm is the latest of many North American companies to chase Bitcoin's hashrate with new machine purchases.

By Colin Harper, Blockspace MediaApr 19, 2021