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.


Consensus Magazine

Bitcoin Mining Machine Efficiency Doubled in Five Years

A recent report by Coin Metrics has news for fans of energy efficiency: ASIC miners overall are reducing their energy consumption per coin produced. But which are the most efficient? For Mining Week, CoinDesk dug deeper to determine which of 11 popular mining machines were the most competitive.

(Arek Socha/Pixabay)

Analyses

Revenue Constraints Will Drive Bitcoin Mining to Sustainability

Proof-of-work mining has a place in global renewable energy adoption. But its larger role is ensuring economic freedom and liberty if nations are destabilized by climatic pressures.

wind farm on the water

Vidéos

Why Bitcoin Miners Have Flocked to Texas

Crypto miners have flocked to the state of Texas since China banned mining in 2021, encouraged by cheap energy, grid incentives and an alignment of values. "The Hash" panel discusses why Texas has emerged as a bitcoin mining hub as part of CoinDesk's special Mining Week presented by Foundry. Foundry and CoinDesk are both owned by DCG.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Vidéos

Gridless Co-Founder on Future of Green Bitcoin Mining

As part of CoinDesk's Mining Week, presented by Foundry, Gridless co-founder Erik Hersman, discusses how Gridless is bringing bitcoin mining to rural Africa and supporting local energy development. Foundry and CoinDesk are both owned by DCG.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Finance

Crypto Insurer Evertas Buys Bitcoin Mining Cover Specialist Bitsure

Evertas has snagged the authority to offer mining policy limits of up to $200 million per location.

Bitmain Antminer mining rigs (Christie Harkin/CoinDesk)

Finance

Next Bitcoin Halving Event Could Be a Stress Test for Miners: JPMorgan

The next halving will see a reduction in miners’ revenues and an increase in bitcoin production costs at the same time, the report said.

(Sandali Handagama)

Vidéos

Vanguard Adds Exposure to Bitcoin Mining Companies

Asset manager Vanguard now owns $560 million worth of bitcoin mining stocks, which includes exposure to companies like Riot Blockchain and Marathon Digital. The news was first reported by Decrypt. "The Hash" panel discusses the TradFi giant's latest investment moves and the state of institutional interest in the crypto space.

Recent Videos

Finance

Bitcoin Mining Is a Game of Survival, Consolidation and Potential AI Diversification: Bernstein

Mining stocks have been resurgent this year due to improving sentiment from institutional ETF filings and potential revenue diversification into high-performance computing and AI, the report said.

A Hut 8 mining facility (hut8.io)

Finance

Crypto Miner Hive Blockchain Touts Privacy of AI Models Running on Its GPUs

Hive wants to provide enterprise training in its fleet of GPUs as part of its pivot to artificial intelligence.

(Sandali Handagama)

Finance

Bitcoin Miner Hut 8 Secures Up to $50M in Loans From Coinbase

The first $15 million will be drawn shortly after closing the deal, while another $15 million is conditional on closing a merger.

A Hut 8 mining site (Hut 8)