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

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Makes Biggest Jump in 29 Months

Miners now face the fourth-most difficult two-week mining period in Bitcoin's history, even though it's only been a little over a month since the halving.

By Wolfie ZhaoJun 16, 2020

Markets

Hut 8 Plans $7.5M Offering to Upgrade Bitcoin Mining Rigs

Hut 8 Mining is looking to raise at least $7.5 million to upgrade its fleet of BlockBox bitcoin miners.

By Danny NelsonJun 10, 2020

Finance

Why Miner Maker Ebang's US IPO Raises More Questions Than Answers

Bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer Ebang wants to raise $100 million through a U.S. IPO. But that could be a risky investment, CoinDesk Research's Matt Yamamoto reports.

By Matt YamamotoJun 8, 2020

Markets

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops 9% to January Levels

Bitcoin has just got easier to mine while major manufacturers have started shipping their latest machines ahead of China's rainy summer season.

By Wolfie ZhaoJun 4, 2020

Markets

Iranian Lawmaker Says Bitcoin Should Be Central Bank's Turf

An Iranian lawmaker wants his country’s central bank to take bitcoin seriously.

By Danny NelsonJun 2, 2020

Finance

Bitcoin Mining Pool Poolin Partners With BlockFi to Expand Crypto Lending Service

Poolin, the second biggest bitcoin mining pool by total network power, is expanding its crypto lending and financial services businesses.

By Wolfie ZhaoJun 2, 2020

Markets

Canaan Reports $5.6M Loss in Q1 Despite Bitcoin Miner Price Cut

The China-based manufacturer had cut the pricing for its bitcoin miners by half during the first three months.

By Wolfie ZhaoMay 22, 2020

Markets

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops by 6% in First Adjustment After Halving

The Bitcoin network just fine-tuned a key parameter to coax back miners who quit after last week's halving hammered their profits.

By Wolfie ZhaoMay 20, 2020

Seven-day rolling average of bitcoin hashrate (Credit: Blockchaininfo)

Finance

The Last Word on Bitcoin's Energy Consumption

What people fail to consider when they criticize Bitcoin's electricity footprint, according to our columnist.

By Nic CarterMay 19, 2020

Markets

First Mover: Bitcoin’s Hot Again and Crypto Miners Are Hoarding – Or Are They?

Bitcoin is rallying again, and some analysts are taking a closer look at data extracted from the underlying blockchain for signals on whether cryptocurrency miners are buying or selling. Or if they're HODLing.

By Bradley Keoun, Omkar GodboleMay 15, 2020