Uzbekistan Launches Crypto Mining Zone to Attract International Investors

Uzbekistan Opens Crypto Zone for International Miners

Uzbekistan is advancing its crypto strategy by establishing a special zone for crypto mining in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, aimed at attracting international investors. The government is focusing on digital infrastructure and clear regulations, with favorable energy prices and regulatory incentives to encourage long-term settlement of mining companies.

The planned mining zone will allow companies to operate under specific conditions, which is expected to bring fresh capital into the country and create new jobs. Authorities view this initiative as an opportunity to drive economic development and participate in the global crypto industry.

"The project aims to promote technological innovation and enhance infrastructure in the region," stated government officials.

Investors will benefit from stable conditions, including tax exemptions for foreign companies until January 1, 2035. However, earnings from crypto mining must be processed through bank accounts within Uzbekistan, and a monthly fee of one percent of mining revenues will be allocated to the zone's administration.

Key Takeaways: Uzbekistan is creating a crypto mining zone to attract international investment, offering tax incentives and stable regulations while requiring local processing of mining revenues.

American Bitcoin Shares Surge After Mining Capacity Announcement

Shares of American Bitcoin, a mining and treasury company linked to the Trump family, rose over 12% following the announcement of nearly 11,300 additional Bitcoin mining rigs at its Drumheller site. This expansion increases the company's total to approximately 89,242 ASIC miners, contributing an additional 3.05 Exahash per second at an efficiency of 13.5 Joules per Terahash.

The high efficiency rating is crucial as it reduces the company's power costs per coin, allowing American Bitcoin to remain profitable despite increasing network difficulty. Eric Trump, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized the importance of rapid action and disciplined capital deployment in strengthening their Bitcoin position.

Key Takeaways: American Bitcoin's stock surged after announcing a significant increase in mining capacity, enhancing its operational efficiency and profitability in a competitive market.

Iran's Bitcoin Mining Capacity Plummets by 77% Following US-Israel Attacks

Iran's Bitcoin mining capacity has dropped from 9 Exahash per second to just 2 Exahash per second in a single quarter, according to the Q2 2026 report from Hashrate Index. This decline follows targeted attacks on infrastructure and energy supplies by the US and Israel, which began on February 28, 2026.

Prior to these attacks, Iran operated approximately 427,000 active mining rigs. The report indicates that the global hashrate fell by 5.8% during the same period, although neighboring countries like the UAE and Oman remained unaffected. Analysts suggest that the primary driver of the global decline is the significant drop in Bitcoin prices, which fell by around 45% since October 2025.

Key Takeaways: Iran's Bitcoin mining has suffered a drastic reduction in capacity due to geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the vulnerability of mining operations to external attacks.

IREN Poised to Gain Competitive Edge in Data Center Sector

IREN is set to take a leading role in the AI data center sector with access to 2.74 GW of readily available power. The company has established a strong position in the Bitcoin mining space, which has now become a critical advantage as demand for reliable energy supply in data centers surges.

As of April 2026, IREN's stock is closely monitored, with a recent price of approximately $45.12, recovering from yearly lows. The company has secured contracts for 2.75 GW across its Texas locations, including a 1.4 GW facility expected to be operational by the end of April.

Key Takeaways: IREN's strategic access to energy resources positions it favorably in the competitive landscape of AI data centers, potentially allowing it to capitalize on the growing demand for reliable power.

HIVE and Keel Accelerate Shift Towards AI Data Centers

HIVE Digital has raised $115 million through a zero-interest convertible bond to expand its data center infrastructure, focusing on AI and high-performance computing (HPC). Meanwhile, Keel Infrastructure has sold its Paraguay site for $13 million, completing its exit from Latin America to concentrate on North American AI and HPC initiatives.

Both companies have seen their stock prices rise by approximately 4% following these announcements, reflecting a broader trend of mining companies pivoting towards AI infrastructure. HIVE aims to enhance its global data center capabilities, while Keel is reallocating resources to support its new focus.

Key Takeaways: HIVE and Keel are shifting their business models towards AI data centers, indicating a significant transformation in the mining sector as companies adapt to changing market demands.

Sources:

• Usbekistan öffnet Krypto-Zone für internationale Miner
• Die Aktien von American Bitcoin, die mit Trump in Verbindung stehen, steigen um über 12 %, nachdem fast 11.300 zusätzliche Mining-Rigs in Betrieb genommen wurden
• Iran Bitcoin Mining bricht um 77 Prozent nach US-Israel-Angriffen ein
• IREN könnte mit schnellem Energiezugang den Wettbewerb im Rechenzentrumssektor gewinnen
• KI-Wandel beschleunigt sich, da HIVE frisches Kapital aufbringt und Keel das Portfolio neu gestaltet
• Die mit Trump verbundenen American Bitcoin Shares steigen nach der Ankündigung zusätzlicher Mining-Kapazitäten um über 12 %