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.

Finance

Binance Crypto Exchange Is Launching Its First Bitcoin Mining Pool

Binance has been offering "generous" referral bonuses for its new crypto mining pool.

By Anna BaydakovaApr 1, 2020

Finance

HIVE Blockchain to Double Bitcoin Mining Capacity Through $2.8M Share Deal

HIVE shares have increased 10 percent since the deal to acquire a bitcoin mining farm in Canada became public.

By Paddy BakerApr 1, 2020

Quebec hydro power plant (credit: Shutterstock/Pierre Leclerc)

Tech

How Bitcoin’s Price Slump Is Changing the Geography of Mining

Although China remains the leading region for bitcoin mining, the coronavirus downturn is changing the picture in other geographies.

By Leigh CuenMar 30, 2020

Finance

Can Bitcoin Survive the Climate Change Revolution?

If ESG is becoming the new buzzword among impact-minded financial institutions, where does energy-intensive bitcoin fit in?

By Ian AllisonMar 30, 2020

ESG: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks to a crowd at a rally in Edmonton, Canada. (Credit: Shutterstock)

Markets

Miners Are Selling More Bitcoin Than They Are Mining

While bitcoin looks set to prolong its recent bullish moves, those responsible for making new bitcoin have increased their selling.

By Omkar GodboleMar 26, 2020

Markets

Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Posts Second-Biggest Percentage Drop in Its History

Competition among Bitcoin miners has eased as the recent price drop thinned the herd, fresh data shows.

By Wolfie ZhaoMar 26, 2020

Source: Coin Metrics; difficulty recorded at last block mined at the beginning of each 2-wk period; data as of March 26, 2020

Finance

Ruble's Drop Eases Pain of Lower Bitcoin Prices for Russia's Miners

The global market meltdown has indirectly benefited Russia's bitcoin miners, even as the cryptocurrency's price tumbled along with other assets.

By Anna BaydakovaMar 23, 2020

Finance

Price Drop Casts Pall Over Bitcoin Miners' Equipment Upgrades

Bitcoin miners spent $500M+ over the past six months preparing for May’s “halving”. Last week’s price crash means they may wait longer for the payoff.

By Wolfie Zhao, Anna BaydakovaMar 16, 2020

Markets

Why Bitcoin Mining Might Be the New Business Model for US Power Plants

South Korea gets legal recognition for crypto, New York power plant mines BTC and the end of the intranet era for enterprise blockchain?

By Nathaniel WhittemoreMar 5, 2020

Finance

Bitcoin's Computing Power Is Growing Again After Coronavirus-Related Disruption

The bitcoin network’s processing power is growing again as major Chinese miner manufacturers resume shipments following coronavirus-related delays.

By Wolfie ZhaoMar 4, 2020

Bitcoin hash rate has surged in 2024 (Hashage)