As another week closes in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin has managed to maintain its position above $60,000 despite fluctuations. In this analysis, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most critical developments in the Bitcoin mining industry over the past week.
The mining business has seen several noteworthy developments. One key trend is the ongoing struggle for mining companies, marked by significant productivity declines. This mounting pressure has led many firms to accelerate their transition towards AI technology.
However, most miners understand that this situation is temporary, and maintaining their mining capacity remains crucial. Major companies like CleanSpark have significantly boosted their computational power over the past year. Despite challenges, the mining sector remains one of the most dynamic within the expansive crypto landscape.
This Week’s Top 5 Bitcoin Mining News
In this 169th edition of our weekly Bitcoin mining news roundup, we present the five most notable updates. If you want to stay informed about the industry’s latest and most significant events, keep reading for the week’s highlights:
- CleanSpark’s Hashrate Jumps 187% Over the Last Year
- Average Bitcoin Production Cost Stays Above $70K
- Hut 8 Speeds Up AI Integration Amid Mining Challenges
- Marathon Mines 705 BTC in September Despite Market Pressures
- BitRiver Predicts Russia Will Surpass the US in Digital Mining by 2027
Detailed Breakdown
CleanSpark’s Hashrate Increases by 187% Over the Last Year
One of the largest mining companies, CleanSpark, continues its impressive growth. Over the past year, the firm’s computational capacity (hashrate) surged by over 187%, according to a report published this week. This significant growth aligns with the fiscal year ending in September 2024.
Furthermore, this US-listed company also highlighted growth in its treasury holdings and stock prices. The company’s positive numbers are notable, considering the challenging environment that has impacted the mining industry in recent months. In the past year, CleanSpark’s hashrate expanded from 9.6 EH/s to the current 27.6 EH/s.
Bitcoin Production Costs Remain Above $70K
One of the most concerning factors for Bitcoin mining companies is the rising cost of production. On average, mining a single BTC remains more expensive than purchasing it outright, leading many firms to operate at a loss.
As of last Thursday, the average cost to mine a BTC was $72,854, according to MacroMicro data. In contrast, acquiring BTC on an exchange required just over $62,000. Although it appears more profitable to buy BTC directly, operational expenses remain persistent, and capitulation is often costlier. It’s important to note that this figure is an average and can vary significantly depending on the state or country where operations take place.
Hut 8 Accelerates Its Shift Towards AI
The steady decline in profitability within the mining business since the April halving has pushed many companies to explore alternatives. Fortunately, the high demand for data services in the artificial intelligence sector has become a lifeline. Major publicly listed mining firms are quickly moving in this direction.
Hut 8, for instance, is transitioning towards AI as digital mining revenues dwindle. Recently, the company announced that its GPU cluster is now active and generating revenue. Based in Chicago, this cluster hosts 1,000 NVIDIA H100 GPUs powering several Hewlett Packard Enterprise supercomputers. The facility is managed by Hut 8’s subsidiary, Highrise AI.
Marathon Mines 705 Bitcoins in September
Despite declining profitability in Bitcoin mining, companies like Marathon continue their efforts. Marathon reported mining a total of 705 BTC in September, representing a 5% monthly increase.
This growth in coin production is linked to Marathon’s strategy of expanding its hashrate. The company’s CEO, Fred Thiel, emphasized that their target of 50 EH/s for 2024 remains intact, with rapid progress in deploying new equipment at their facilities. Notably, the firm has maintained its promise of holding its BTC assets, opting not to sell any BTC for operational costs. Additionally, Marathon has continued its strategy of regular BTC purchases, similar to MicroStrategy. As of now, Marathon’s reserves stand at 26,842 BTC.
BitRiver: Russia to Surpass the US in Digital Mining by 2027
In a recent interview with local media, BitRiver’s CEO, Igor Runets, predicted that Russia would overtake the US in the digital mining sector by 2027. Runets highlighted the importance of new regulations passed by Moscow.
After years of uncertainty, the Eurasian nation’s authorities have legalized industrial-scale mining activities. While the regulation currently applies only to local companies, it may extend to foreign firms in the future. Under this scenario, Runets believes Russia’s presence in the global mining scene will grow significantly.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 7th October 2024