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

Are Greater Rewards Going to Bitcoin Miners Outside of China?

CoinDesk Managing Tech Editor Christie Harkin and "First Mover" Editor Brad Keoun joins "All About Bitcoin" host Christine Lee for a global outlook on next week's crypto markets activity and whether the worst is China crackdowns are behind us.

Recent Videos

Markets

Greenidge Generation to Expand Bitcoin Mining With South Carolina Plant

Two-thirds of the electricity at the site is sourced from zero-carbon sources such as nuclear power.

Greenidge mining facility

Videos

Bitcoin Mining Council Says Sustainable Power Mix on the Rise

According to a new survey by the Bitcoin Mining Council, bitcoin mining has increased to 56% sustainable energy consumption in the second quarter of this year. Councilmember Jaime Leverton of crypto mining firm Hut 8 digs into the data on sustainable mining, discussing bitcoin's heated energy debate. Leverton also addresses concerns that Hut 8 is a "dirty miner," affirming Hut 8 is "looking at programs to involve carbon offsets, and build out a framework... to become more sustainable over time."

Recent Videos

Videos

Where Will the Miners Go Following China’s Renewed Crypto Crackdown?

The calendar may provide a clue to China’s recent crypto crackdowns, with some saying it is at least plausible the Chinese authorities would send a strong warning to the crypto industry in the weeks leading up to July 1, the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Videos

Is Now the Time to Buy Bitcoin?

QCP Capital Co-Founder and CIO Darius Sit discusses mixed signals for bitcoin and whether this is a smart time to invest now. “Bitcoin is “the king coin,” Sit said. While Ethereum can potentially trade higher than bitcoin, he said he believes that bitcoin will hold value better in the long run.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Policy

China Crypto Crackdown: Calendar Offers Clue as to 'Why Now?'

Crypto crackdowns tend to intensify amid politically sensitive times in China.

Emblem of China on the Great Hall of the People, at Tiananmen Square

Markets

Bitcoin Hashrate Stabilizes After China Crackdown

The majority of the reduction stemmed from China's move to shut down cryptocurrency mining operations in the country, with a little bit from Iran.

Greenidge Mining center

Finance

Hut 8 Buys $44M Worth of Mining Machines to Double Its Hashrate

The purchase will bring the company 11,090 new miners from SuperAcme Technology.

Network servers.

Finance

China's Bitcoin Mining Crackdown Is a Boon for Miners Elsewhere

Miners outside of China are getting a financial boost from their competition’s forced exile. Will the trend continue?

Warehouses storing bitcoin mining machines stand at a mining facility operated by Bitmain Technologies Ltd. in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017.