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World’s 5th-largest mining pool leaves China for Kazakhstan amidst Electricity ban

A major crypto mining pool that is operated by BIT Mining and owned by the NYSE-listed Chinese lottery service provider 500.com — has announced the successful relocation of its first batch of mining machines to Kazakhstan.

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A major crypto mining pool that is operated by BIT Mining and owned by the NYSE-listed Chinese lottery service provider 500.com — has announced the successful relocation of its first batch of mining machines to Kazakhstan.

BTC.com was founded by Jihan Wu and was operated by Bitmain and Bitdeer until its acquisition by 500.com this February. As of the time of writing, the pool is the world’s fifth-largest, validating 10.4% of blocks on the Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain.

The relocation comes after the company was notified by the state grid in western Sichuan province that the power supply serving one of its local data centers would be suspended imminently. In its announcement yesterday, BIT Mining stated:

“On June 19, 2021, the Company’s indirectly held subsidiary, Ganzi Changhe Hydropower Consumption Service Co. Ltd […] received notice […] from State Grid Sichuan Ganzi Electric Power Co., Ltd. […] informing Ganzi Changhe Data Center, that its power supply would be suspended, effective 9:00pm Beijing time, June 19, 2021. Ganzi Changhe Data Center has since suspended its operations. Data centers in Sichuan, including the Ganzi Changhe Data Center, contributed approximately 3% of the Company’s total revenues in the month of May 2021.”
The intervention from the state grid comes amid an ongoing crackdown on crypto mining by the Chinese state due to concerns over the mining industry’s carbon footprint, which runs counter to China’s decarbonization targets.

In areas such as Inner Mongolia, once popular with crypto miners, regional authorities have even established a dedicated hotline for the local public to directly report any suspected illicit mining activities. Amid these pressures, at least three mining firms — BTC.TOP, Huobi and HashCow — have recently been driven to cease their activities on the mainland.

BIT Mining CEO Xianfeng Yang has gestured towards this backdrop, claiming that the company is “committed to protecting the environment and lowering our carbon footprint. We have been strategically expanding our operations overseas as part of our growth strategy. Following our investments in cryptocurrency mining data centers in Texas and Kazakhstan, we are accelerating our overseas development for alternative high-quality mining resources.”

While China has been an early mover against crypto miners, authorities elsewhere are increasingly signaling their concerns about power-guzzling mining sites; for the most part less on climate grounds than for their impact on local energy provision. In late April, a former government official argued that crypto mining was a major driver of the energy crisis in Kyrgyzstan. Similar concerns have been voiced in the Caucasus and Iran.

In line with China, global regulators and nonprofits, Elon Musk this year made a notorious intervention when he announced the company would no longer be accepting BTC as payment for vehicles due to concerns about the high energy consumption of Bitcoin mining.

Source Credits: Coin Telegraph

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South Korea’s crypto investor surge drives CEX profits by 106%

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South Korea’s cryptocurrency market is witnessing significant growth, with a notable 21% rise in the number of active investors this year. This surge in participation is accompanied by a remarkable 106% year-over-year increase in profits for centralized exchanges (CEXs) operating in the region.

Data reveals that the uptick in investor activity is driven by a growing interest in digital assets, alongside favorable market conditions. As more individuals engage with cryptocurrencies, CEXs are capitalizing on this momentum, leading to substantial revenue gains.

Industry experts attribute the profit increase to a combination of factors, including heightened trading volumes and the introduction of new trading products that appeal to both novice and experienced investors. Additionally, many exchanges have enhanced their services, providing better user experiences and security features, which have helped attract more participants.

Despite regulatory challenges in the broader cryptocurrency landscape, South Korean exchanges are adapting to changes while continuing to foster a robust trading environment. As interest in digital assets grows, market analysts predict further expansion and profitability for CEXs in the coming months.

The rise in both investor numbers and exchange profits highlights the resilience of South Korea’s cryptocurrency market, positioning it as a key player in the global digital asset arena.

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Tron replaces Oracle provider with Chainlink

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Tron has announced a strategic partnership with Chainlink aimed at enhancing its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings. This collaboration seeks to integrate Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network into Tron’s ecosystem, enabling developers to access real-time data and improve the functionality of their DeFi applications.

The partnership will allow Tron-based projects to leverage Chainlink’s robust data feeds, which provide reliable external information essential for executing smart contracts. This integration is expected to enhance the security and efficiency of various financial products on the Tron blockchain.

In a statement, Tron officials emphasized the importance of data integrity and accessibility in driving DeFi innovation. By collaborating with Chainlink, Tron aims to attract more developers and users to its platform, fostering growth within its DeFi ecosystem.

Chainlink’s oracles have been widely adopted across various blockchain networks, and this partnership marks a significant step in expanding their reach into the Tron ecosystem. As DeFi continues to gain traction globally, both companies are optimistic that this collaboration will yield new opportunities for innovation and investment.

This partnership comes at a crucial time as the DeFi sector evolves, and Tron is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping the future of decentralized finance. By leveraging Chainlink’s technology, Tron aims to enhance its competitiveness in the rapidly growing DeFi landscape.

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Singapore bolsters fintech hub with Global Finance Technology Network

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Singapore has officially launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing its position as a global hub for financial technology. The Global Finance Technology Network is designed to foster collaboration between fintech companies, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies, promoting innovation and the development of cutting-edge financial solutions.

The initiative was announced during a recent fintech conference, where government officials highlighted Singapore’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for fintech growth. The network aims to connect local startups with international players, facilitating knowledge exchange and access to resources that can accelerate their growth.

Key features of the Global Finance Technology Network include mentorship programs, access to funding, and opportunities for partnerships. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of regulatory support, ensuring that fintech companies can operate effectively within a clear and supportive framework.

Officials noted that this network is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to remain at the forefront of the global fintech landscape, especially as competition intensifies from other financial centers. By fostering innovation and collaboration, Singapore aims to attract talent and investment, ultimately driving economic growth in the region.

As the fintech sector continues to evolve, the Global Finance Technology Network is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of finance in Singapore and beyond, positioning the city-state as a leader in financial technology innovation.

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