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.

Policy

Volcano-Powered Bitcoin Mining Goes From Twitter Idea to State Policy in El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele is moving on multiple fronts to make El Salvador an unlikely bitcoin mecca.

By Danny NelsonJun 9, 2021

A sign outside the Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant in El Salvador.

Finance

Luxor Bitcoin Mining Firm Raises $5M Series A Led by NYDIG

Luxor says it will work with NYDIG on "a number of mining-related ventures and hashrate-based products."

By Zack SewardJun 9, 2021

Markets

China's Qinghai Province Has Ordered All Crypto Miners to Shut Down

It follows orders to other provinces, including Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, to shut down miners.

By David Pan, Nikhilesh DeJun 9, 2021

Markets

Some Xinjiang Bitcoin Miners Instructed to Shut Down: Report

The local government of Changji in Xinjiang has instructed miners at the Zhundong Economic Technological Development Park to shut down mining activities.

By Jamie CrawleyJun 9, 2021

Markets

Square to Invest $5M to Build Solar-Powered Bitcoin Mining Facility With Blockstream

The announcement comes as the environmental impact of mining for the world's largest cryptocurrency has come under intense scrutiny.

By Kevin ReynoldsJun 6, 2021

Videos

Biden Bans American Investment in 59 Chinese Firms

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order today banning Americans from investing in 59 Chinese firms with ties to the military. Bitcoin mining engineer Brandon Arvanaghi shares his view on how the rising economic tensions between the two countries could impact bitcoin innovation.

Jun 3, 2021