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.


Tech

A Plan to Decentralize Bitcoin Mining Again Is Gaining Ground

New code for mining pools could fix problems associated with transaction censorship and more, say its supporters.

(Wikimedia Commons)

Markets

Malaysian Thieves Drill Through Wall to Steal 85 Crypto Machines

Authorities arrested five suspected in the theft of almost 100 bitcoin machines.

concreet

Markets

Chinese Agency Scraps Plan to Eliminate Bitcoin Mining Industry

China's top economic planning agency has remove bitcoin mining from a list of industries to be phased out from the country.

bitcoin yuan

Markets

Bitcoin Mining Power Sees Short-Term Drop as Rainy Season Ends in China

After sustained growth over the past three months, bitcoin's mining power has dropped with a seasonal falloff in hydropower output in China.

Bitcoin mining farm (CoinDesk archives)

Markets

Russian Aluminum Plant Pivots to Bitcoin Mining Following US Sanctions

Metal giant Rusal is renting its facilities to the Russian Mining Corporation following 2018 U.S. sanctions.

mining farm

Markets

Avalon Bitcoin Miner Maker Canaan Officially Files for $400 Million US IPO

Avalon bitcoin miner maker Canaan Creative has just formally filed for a $400 million US IPO.

Canaan chairman Kong Jianping

Markets

Sichuan Should Work to Remain Attractive to Crypto Mining: Policy Advisor

A former regulator in China has argued that Sichuan – a bitcoin mining hub – should study how to remain attractive to crypto-related business.

Balaci’s testimony indicates that BitClub never ran the lucrative bitcoin mining pools it lured victim investors with. (Shutterstock)

Markets

Final Russian Nuclear Scientist Sentenced Over Illicit Crypto Mining

The last of three Russian scientists caught illegally mining bitcoin at a top-secret nuclear lab has been given a prison sentence.

nuclear towers

Markets

With 18 Million Bitcoins Mined, How Hard Is That 21 Million Limit?

The 18 millionth bitcoin is about to be mined. Though the remaining 3 million will take 120 years to mint, some question the certainty of the original hard cap.

Credit: CoinDesk archives

Markets

Peter Thiel Backs $200 Million Valuation for Renewable Bitcoin Mining in the US

A vertically integrated startup has raised $30 million to bring bitcoin mining back to the U.S.

Wind turbines