Bitcoin Mining Uncovered: Texas Noise, Zambia’s Green Push, Bhutan’s Boom

Bitcoin Mining in Texas: A Booming Industry Amidst Controversy

In Granbury, Texas, residents are grappling with the constant noise from a Bitcoin mining facility operated by Mara Holdings. The facility, located just 300 meters from residential areas, houses tens of thousands of computers in over 100 metal containers. These computers generate significant noise, primarily from cooling fans, which has led to complaints of headaches, dizziness, and hearing loss among locals. Despite measures such as building a wall around the facility and replacing some fans with quieter systems, the noise remains a major issue.

Texas has become a hub for Bitcoin mining, consuming as much electricity as 2.6 million households. The environmental impact, including the use of fossil fuels and water resources, has drawn criticism. Nevertheless, the industry continues to grow, with the world's largest Bitcoin mining center under construction in Corsicana, Texas. Mara Holdings, one of the largest Bitcoin producers globally, reported a revenue of $660 million in 2024 but also faced a loss of nearly $200 million.

"We want our lives back," said Karen Pearson, a long-time resident of Granbury, highlighting the community's frustration with the facility's impact.

Key Figures	Details
Electricity Consumption	Equivalent to 2.6 million households
Mara Holdings Revenue (2024)	$660 million
Mara Holdings Loss (2024)	$200 million

Summary: Texas is at the forefront of Bitcoin mining, but the industry faces significant challenges, including environmental concerns and community backlash.

Bitcoin Mining in Zambia: A Sustainable Approach

In Zambia, an innovative Bitcoin mining project powered by the Zengamina hydropower plant is transforming the local economy. Operated by the Kenyan company Gridless, the project utilizes surplus energy to verify Bitcoin transactions. This initiative not only supports the local community by subsidizing electricity costs but also demonstrates the potential for sustainable cryptocurrency mining.

The Zengamina plant, originally built to supply electricity to a hospital and local community, now allocates 30% of its energy to Bitcoin mining. This has significantly improved living standards in the region, with residents like local barber Damian reporting life-changing access to electricity. Gridless plans to expand its operations across Africa, aiming to replicate this model in other regions.

30% of Zengamina's energy is used for Bitcoin mining.
Electricity costs for the community have been reduced.
Gridless aims to expand its sustainable mining model across Africa.

Summary: Zambia's Bitcoin mining project showcases how renewable energy can drive both economic and social benefits, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the industry.

Bhutan's Strategic Investment in Bitcoin

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has turned to Bitcoin mining to address its economic challenges. Leveraging its abundant hydropower resources, the country has managed to mine Bitcoin sustainably and generate significant revenue. In 2023, Bhutan sold $100 million worth of Bitcoin, a substantial figure given its GDP of approximately $2.89 billion.

The revenue has been used to double civil servant salaries, reducing workforce attrition and boosting economic stability. Despite the volatility of Bitcoin prices, Bhutan's strategic approach appears to be yielding positive results, with the country emerging as a unique example of how cryptocurrency can support national development.

Key Metrics	Details
Bitcoin Revenue (2023)	$100 million
GDP	$2.89 billion
Impact	Doubling of civil servant salaries

Summary: Bhutan's innovative use of Bitcoin mining highlights its potential as a tool for economic growth, particularly in resource-rich but economically challenged regions.

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