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.


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Live Blog: Bitcoin Halving 2016

The bitcoin block reward is set to fall from 25 bitcoins to 12.5 bitcoins in just a few hours.

Live Blog

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What is the 'Halving'? A Primer to Bitcoin's Big Mining Change

What is the bitcoin halving and why do many believe it's boosting bitcoin's price? Here's our introductory guide to the coming big change in bitcoin.

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Maker of First Bitcoin Mining ASIC Acquired in What Could Be Industry's Largest Sale

The China-based company behind the first bitcoin mining ASIC has been acquired.

Credit: CoinDesk archives

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Will Bitcoin's Block Rewards Halving Bring Crisis or Consistency?

With the bitcoin block reward halving approaching, differing opinions on what will happen have emerged among the world's mining community.

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Spanish Police Seize 6 Bitcoin Mines in Crackdown on Stolen TV Content

Spanish police have seized and destroyed six bitcoin mines as part of an investigation into the illegal distribution of television content.

Row of Gridseed litecoin miners set up. Copyright: Arina P Habich

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Palantir Denies Ownership of 'Quantum' Bitcoin Mining Service

Big data company Palantir says it has no involvement with a Hong Kong cloud mining service that claims to be owned by it.

Mystery man question mark

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Bitcoin Miners Back Proposed Timeline for 2017 Hard Fork

Members of China's bitcoin mining ecosystem have committed to supporting a proposed roadmap for scaling the bitcoin network.

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2015 Was Do or Die for Bitcoin Miners But Promise Lies Ahead

With low bitcoin prices, it was a tough year for miners, says MegaBigPower founder and CEO Dave Carlson, but 2016 looks brighter.

Mining_light at the end of the tunnel

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Bitcoin Startup Cleared of Breaching Securities Law

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) of Saskatchewan, Canada, has cleared a bitcoin startup of breaching securities law.

Canadian regulators ordered a freeze on Catalyx recently.

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New Bitcoin ASIC to be 'Most Power-Efficient’ on Public Market

Mining hardware maker Bitmain has claimed its new bitcoin ASIC will be the most power efficient chip available to the public.

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