Monday, September 23, 2024

Hamster Kombat Plans 60B Token Airdrop to 43% Users

Hamster Kombat, the Telegram click-gaming platform, is on the verge of releasing its 60 billion tokens airdrop to only 43% of qualified players. According to the team behind the tap-to-earn game, it banned 2.3 million users for cheating, enraging some of the game’s community.

Token Allocation and Airdrop Plan

The rapidly growing Web3 platform has made a significant announcement regarding distributing its native tokens, Hamster Kombat (HMSTR). According to a recent post by the team, 75 billion out of its total 100 billion tokens are reserved for the game’s community.

This allocation signifies the project’s commitment to rewarding active users, reflecting a community-first approach. The distribution will happen in two stages: after season one ends, 60% of the entire supply will be airdropped, and the remaining 15% will be distributed during season two.

Among the 60 billion tokens initially reserved for season one, users who satisfy the qualifying requirements should anticipate receiving 88.75% of their allocation immediately. However, the remaining 11.25% will become vested and released after the token is listed on crypto exchanges (within the next ten months).

In terms of numbers, this translates to an immediate distribution of approximately 53.25 billion tokens, with an additional 6.75 billion tokens becoming available after the vesting period.

Growth and Challenges

Hamster Kombat has dominated the Web3 gaming scene ever since it launched. The clicker game on Telegram gained 239 million users in 81 days, demonstrating its viral appeal.

Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, was interested in the game’s players as he was confident that the game’s popularity would help Web3 technologies become more widely used, attracting millions of new users to the cryptocurrency space.

Over 300 million players are in the game, and millions will be eligible for the next token airdrop on September 26. 43% of all users fall into this category, while the remaining users do not meet the eligibility requirements.

The game team’s ban of about 2.3 million players over dishonesty highlights the developers’ dedication to upholding equity in the distribution process. On July 30, the Hamster Foundation released an update about the impending airdrop.

The foundation clarified that players would receive the lion’s share of the airdropped tokens. However, the remaining will be for ecosystem partnerships, liquidity provision, grants, squad rewards, and other important projects.

This distribution plan seeks to improve the game users’ long-term engagement and loyalty, strengthening the project’s ecosystem.

Independent Tokenomics Approach

The Hamster Kombat team revealed that it turned down offers from venture capital firms looking to make early investments. By choosing not to accept funding from venture capital firms early on, the tokens will be protected against selling pressure from major institutional investors.

Rather, the token’s supply and demand dynamics will give the community an equal chance to interact with the token. The team reiterated that community members’ and players’ interests will determine the value of HMSTR tokens. This step upholds the project’s community-driven philosophy.

PepperChain’s Airdrop to CHZ Holders

Meanwhile, Chiliz (CHZ) CEO Alexandre Dreyfus revealed that PepperChain, an integral part of the Chiliz ecosystem, is preparing to distribute PEPPER tokens to CHZ holders through an airdrop. It is anticipated that holders of CHZ will be able to access this airdrop on significant exchanges outside of the US.

However, additional information regarding the precise mechanisms of distribution is still pending. The new token is anticipated to be crucial to PepperChain’s future development, and the airdrop is intended to honor Chiliz’s devoted supporters.

By doing this, Chiliz hopes to increase user participation and engagement while improving its platform’s usefulness.

Expanding the Chiliz Ecosystem

By utilizing blockchain technology to create cutting-edge fan engagement experiences, Chiliz has established a strong reputation in the sports and entertainment industries. With the launch of the PEPPER token, PepperChain will become an essential component of this ecosystem.

The token is anticipated to augment the platform’s overall functionality, promoting increased engagement among community members. Chiliz aims to increase awareness of PepperChain’s upcoming initiatives and innovations, generating enthusiasm for the ecosystem’s upcoming developments.

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Friday, September 20, 2024

Satoshi-Era Bitcoin Miner Wallets Move Coins After 15 Years

Five Bitcoin miner wallets that have been inactive for over 15 years have suddenly started moving funds. These wallets, which received block rewards in 2009, weeks after Bitcoin’s blockchain was launched, collectively moved 250 Bitcoin (BTC).

According to blockchain data, one of the wallets received its block reward on Jan. 29, 2009. Three others received their rewards on Jan. 31, 2009, while the final wallet obtained its block reward on Feb. 2, 2009.

At that time, Bitcoin held little to no monetary value, but with the cryptocurrency trading at roughly $63,000 per token in 2024, these 250 BTC are now worth an estimated $15.9 million.

Speculations Around Satoshi Nakamoto and Hal Finney

The sudden activity in these miner wallets has sparked speculation within the cryptocurrency community. Some users on social media have questioned whether the wallets belong to Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, or possibly early Bitcoin adopter Hal Finney.

Finney, a prominent software developer, received the world’s first Bitcoin transaction, receiving 10 BTC from Nakamoto on Jan. 12, 2009. The Bitcoin blockchain launched on Jan. 3, 2009, when Nakamoto mined the genesis block, embedding a message referencing a headline from The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom.

Nakamoto outlined how Bitcoin worked six days later, explaining the basics of mining and transferring coins. By the end of January 2009, only a handful of individuals were involved in mining Bitcoin.

The value of BTC remained negligible for years after its launch, but in 2011, it reached $1 for the first time on the now-defunct crypto exchange Mt. Gox. Shortly after, Nakamoto stepped away from the crypto space, stating that he was moving on to other projects.

Bitcoin Surges Amid Central Bank Decisions

Currently, Bitcoin is experiencing a significant price increase, with the cryptocurrency now trading near its highest levels in a month. This price rise can be traced to key decisions made by central banks in both Japan and the United States, which have impacted investor sentiment toward BTC and other high-yield assets.

Following the Bank of Japan’s rate decision, BTC’s price gained almost 2.5%, trading at over $64,000. Investors viewed this decision as a signal that borrowing costs in Japan would remain low.

Low interest rates often encourage borrowing and allow investors to allocate funds toward riskier assets, such as Bitcoin, that offer potentially higher returns. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve cut its interest rates by 50 basis points.

This move also worked in BTC’s favor by making safer assets less attractive to investors. When interest rates fall, the returns on more conservative investments, such as government bonds, often decrease.

As a result, investors are looking for higher-yield investment options, and Bitcoin is a prime candidate for such an investment.

Bitcoin Futures Open Interest Hits Monthly High

Additionally, the rise in BTC’s price is closely linked to movements in its futures market. On Sept. 20, the open interest (OI) in Bitcoin futures reached approximately $34.39 billion, the highest level since late August.

Open interest refers to the total number of outstanding futures contracts that have not yet been settled. When open interest increases, it indicates that more capital is flowing into the market.

This often points to expectations of significant price movements as traders take positions in anticipation of further market action. At the same time, BTC’s funding rates in its futures market have also moved in a positive direction.

Funding rates reflect the cost of holding long or short positions in futures contracts. These rates had dipped into negative territory earlier in the month, but they have since turned positive, reaching around 0.189%.

More traders are betting that BTC’s price will continue to rise, further fueling the crypto asset’s upward momentum.

Bitcoin’s Price Tests Key Resistance

The technical analysis of BTC’s price movement suggests further gains could be on the horizon. BTC has been forming a bull flag pattern, a technical chart pattern that often indicates the continuation of an upward trend.

Moreover, the leading crypto asset recently bounced off the lower trendline of the flag and is now headed toward the upper trendline at around $65,500. If BTC breaks above this resistance level, its price could rise to $78,400, based on the height of the previous uptrend.

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

How Crypto Pyramid Schemes Work: A Guide

While the cryptocurrency market has created fresh financial opportunities, it has also become a target for fraud through crypto pyramid schemes. Though they promise rapid and large profits, these programs are traps that cause financial losses.

This guide exposes how these frauds operate and how to identify them to avoid becoming victims.

What is a Crypto Pyramid Scheme?

A crypto pyramid scheme is a fraud whereby new members are lured into dubious projects with a fake or no service. They usually offer great returns with little to no risk, making people want to get wealthy rapidly.

However, the investments of fresh hires, not from actual business operations, provide gains for early investors. The whole program falls apart when new members cease enrolling, causing most participants to suffer major losses.

How Crypto Pyramid Schemes Work

The operations of crypto pyramid schemes can be described in various stages.

Stage 1: Customer Invitation

The project owners generate buzz around a new coin or initiative to draw investors. Usually, they deploy strong marketing—often via social media or influencers.

Stage 2: Referrals

Once they invest, investors are urged to invite others. Recruitment takes the front stage instead of the investment itself.

Stage 3: Initial Returns

Early participants get returns to give an impression of validity. Rather than from genuine gains, these returns are paid from new members’ investments.

Stage 4: Collapse

The system becomes unsustainable as it expands. Recruitment slows down, halting the money flow. The program fails, and most of the investors lose their money.

Warning Signs of a Crypto Pyramid Scheme

Identifying the red flags can enable investors to stay away from these frauds. A project is likely a fraud if it promises great returns with little risk.

Another sign of a crypto pyramid scheme is that gaining money depends more on recruiting others than offering a product or service. Legitimate crypto projects are open about their methods of operation. If details on the operation of the project are lacking, use caution.

Should the value of the project remain unknown, that’s your cue not to invest.

Examples of Crypro Pyramid Scams

OneCoin $4B Crypto Pyramid Scheme (2014 – 2017)

Promoted as a breakthrough cryptocurrency, OneCoin promised huge gains. Later, it turned out to be a fraud as it was a project built on recruitment. Its founders faced legal action while investors lost billions.

Bitconnet Over $3B Ponzi Scheme (2016 – 2018)

Promising great returns with an automated trading bot, Bitconnect enticed investors into locking their Bitcoin in exchange for platform tokens. The program fell apart, costing investors enormous amounts of money.

HyperFund $1B Crypto Ponzi (2020-2021)

HyperFund was a Bitcoin investing platform that operated between 2020 and 2021. Though it promised substantial returns, it was a Ponzi scheme.

How to Guard Yourself

To avoid falling victim to a crypto pyramid scheme, follow these guidelines:

  • Do Comprehensive Research

Research the founders and their past. A red mark signifies a lack of openness or unidentified team members.

  • Look for Transparency

Projects with legitimate intent have open operations and well-defined objectives. Search for a thorough white paper that includes project operations and money-generating strategies.

  • Avoid Recruitment-Focused Projects

A project is probably a pyramid scam if it primarily focuses on attracting new members instead of providing an underlying product or service to the market.

Legal Consequences of Participating in Pyramid Schemes

Many nations consider pyramid schemes unlawful. Hence, engaging in them could have serious repercussions, including fines or even jail.

You could get into legal hot water even if you participate without knowledge. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission controls and fines such dishonest behavior in the United States.

Similar laws protecting their people exist in other nations, notably the UK, Australia, Canada, India, and South Africa.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

  • Act fast if you believe you have been tricked into a crypto pyramid scheme.
  • Report the Scam: Get in touch with local financial authorities or police. Reporting could result in legal action against the offenders and help others from becoming victims.
  • Seek Financial Advice: See a financial advisor or attorney with expertise in fraud cases for advice. They can help you sort through possible paths of healing.
  • Stay Informed: Leverage the experience to increase your knowledge about fraud. Maintaining knowledge about typical cryptocurrency frauds will help you avoid future losses.

Conclusion

Pyramid schemes in cryptocurrencies feed on people’s desire for quick earnings. Hence, investors can guard themselves by knowing how they run and the warning signals.

Also, approach all investing opportunities cautiously, conduct your research, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Digital Chamber Pushes New NFT Bill in Congress

The Digital Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking support from US crypto users for a new bill. This bill aims to classify certain non-fungible token (NFT) projects as consumer products, thereby preventing the misapplication of securities laws.

The group urged Congress to consider legislation that would distinguish NFTs based on their intended use, freeing many from federal law’s treatment as securities. US Representative William Timmons introduced the bill in question, known as the New Frontiers in Technology Act (NFT Act).

What the NFT Act Covers

The NFT Act would label certain NFTs as “covered NFTs.” These are items that function primarily as collectibles, works of art, musical compositions, or other forms of intellectual property.

The bill recognizes these digital collectibles, such as virtual land, in-game assets, and digital merchandise, as consumer products. However, the legislation is clear that NFTs marketed or sold with the expectation of financial gain, or those promoting investment potential, would still fall under securities regulations.

The Call for Support

The Digital Chamber is urging US crypto users to contact their local government representatives and get their support for the NFT Act. The organization believes that this distinction is necessary to ensure the continued development of NFT technology in the US without unnecessary regulatory hurdles.

According to the group, the improper classification of digital collectibles as securities could stifle innovation and force companies to relocate to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions. In its official statement, the group stated that supporting the Act would promote ongoing technological innovation, enhance consumer protection, and establish a solid foundation for blockchain technology within the United States.

SEC’s Increased Focus on NFT Projects

The introduction of the NFT Act came at a time when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was paying more attention to the NFT space. Last month, the SEC issued a Wells notice to OpenSea, one of the largest NFT marketplaces.

A Wells notice signals that the SEC is considering enforcement action for potential securities law violations. More recently, the SEC fined restaurant group Flyfish Club $750,000 for selling NFTs, which the SEC argued functioned as unregistered securities.

SEC Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda criticized this enforcement action. They noted that the NFTs in question were simply a means of selling memberships rather than investment products.

The NFT Act also mandates the U.S. Comptroller General to carry out a study on NFTs once the bill is enacted. This study would explore the economic and legal implications of NFTs, offering Congress more data to craft future regulations.

SEC Commissioners Criticize Flyfish Club NFT Settlement

Meanwhile, US SEC commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda have expressed their disapproval of the regulator’s management of a $750,000 settlement with Flyfish Club, a restaurant that sold NFTs providing membership access.

The SEC claimed the Flyfish Club’s NFTs violated securities laws, alleging they were unregistered crypto asset securities under the Howey Test. Flyfish Club sold 1,600 NFTs, raising $14.8 million, according to a cease-and-desist order issued by the SEC.

The NFTs allowed holders access to the yet-to-open Flyfish Club restaurant in New York City. However, the SEC viewed these tokens as investment contracts, subject to securities registration requirements.

An Unnecessary Enforcement Action

In their letter, Peirce and Uyeda said the enforcement action unnecessarily targeted innovation and didn’t address any real harm to investors. The commissioners also criticized the SEC’s approach to NFT regulation, saying it failed to provide clear guidelines for NFT creators.

They warned that this type of enforcement could stifle creativity in the NFT space. The commissioners expressed that creative individuals should have the freedom to explore NFTs without the need to consult an expensive lawyer.

Gary Vaynerchuk, a prominent entrepreneur in the NFT space, launched the Flyfish Club NFTs. These NFTs allowed buyers access to the exclusive members-only restaurant, which will offer dining and social experiences once it opens in Manhattan.

Flyfish Agrees to Destroy Remaining NFTs

Meanwhile, Flyfish Club has settled with the SEC without admitting or denying the charges, agreeing to destroy any remaining NFTs and forgo future royalties from NFT sales. This action mirrors other enforcement measures the SEC has taken against NFT projects in recent months.

Recently, the SEC charged Impact Theory and Stoner Cats 2 over alleged violations involving unregistered securities offerings, further intensifying the regulatory pressure on the NFT industry.

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Monday, September 16, 2024

BaseBros Fi Disappears After Rug Pull on Base Blockchain

BaseBros Fi Vanishes After Rug Pull

BaseBros Fi, a yield optimization protocol on the Base blockchain, has vanished after allegedly pulling off a rug pull. The platform stole user funds through an unaudited smart contract. BaseBros deleted its official website and social media accounts, including those on X and Telegram, leaving its users without any means of communication or recourse.

Blockchain security firm Chain Audits, which had previously reviewed some of BaseBros’ smart contracts, revealed that the rug pull was conducted via a “Vault contract” that was not part of their initial audit. This contract had a backdoor vulnerability, allowing the owners to siphon off the funds deposited into the project’s “Strategy” contract.

Despite auditing four of the five contracts used in the project, Chain Audits admitted that the Vault contract was not within its audit scope and was not verified on the blockchain. Before the incident, BaseBros had built an active community of approximately 2,000 followers on X and over 3,300 members on Telegram.

The lack of an audit for the Vault contract allowed the project’s creators to carry out the rug pull, making off with their users’ investments.

Seamless Protocol Initially Linked to BaseBros Rug Pull

The initial aftermath of the rug pull led to confusion, with some assuming that another protocol, Seamless, might have been impacted due to similar contract labels. However, blockchain investigator Cyvers clarified that the only affected protocol was BaseBros.

According to Cyvers, the bad actor siphoned $130,000 worth of funds and laundered them through the crypto mixing service Tornado Cash, making it difficult to trace the stolen assets. Seamless conducted its internal investigation and confirmed that its protocol and investor funds were safe from attack.

Chain Audits also reiterated that only BaseBros had been affected, resulting in multiple pools losing funds. BaseBros is not the first DeFi protocol to fall under scrutiny for similar activities. For instance, the PenpieDeFi protocol experienced a $27 million hack recently.

DeFi Platform Delta Prime Hacked, $6M Stolen

In a related development, Delta Prime, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, has also been hacked, losing almost $6 million worth of crypto assets. The attack started with the theft of approximately $4.5 million in stablecoins, which the attackers later converted to Ethereum (ETH).

On-chain security platform Cyvers flagged the suspicious activities, stating that the hacker swapped USDC to ETH, suggesting that the hacking incident hasn’t stopped yet and there would be further losses.

Cyvers’ allegations were true as the malicious transactions continued, with the total amount stolen rising to nearly $6 million. This incident has raised security concerns within the crypto community. Delta Prime is the latest in a series of high-profile DeFi attacks this year.

According to Meir Dolev, Cyvers’s CTO, the hackers gained control over the wallet managing Delta Prime’s proxy contracts. They then upgraded these contracts to redirect assets to a malicious contract.

This allowed the attacker to drain liquidity pools on the Arbitrum chain. Dolev stated that the total loss amounted to around $5.9 million. Delta Prime’s hack indicates a sophisticated attack targeting the platform’s vulnerabilities.

Rising Threats to DeFi Platforms

This breach occurred shortly after WazirX, an Indian cryptocurrency exchange, lost over $230 million in a similar attack. That incident was the second-largest cryptocurrency hack of 2024.

These back-to-back security breaches underline DeFi platforms’ growing challenges in safeguarding users’ assets. Concerns about the security of digital assets are not limited to DeFi platforms.

North Korean hackers, including the notorious Lazarus Group, have been flagged as potential threats to larger targets like US-based Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Michael Pearl, vice president of GTM strategy at Cyvers, suggested that the sizable value of Bitcoin held by these ETFs is attracting the hackers’ attention.

Pearl emphasized that hackers are constantly strategizing new ways to exploit weaknesses, particularly in areas where significant digital assets are concentrated. The stakes are high as there are an estimated $53.4 billion worth of Bitcoin in on-chain holdings across ETFs.

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Friday, September 13, 2024

How to Withdraw Bitcoin to a Bank Account

Discover proven methods to withdraw Bitcoin to a bank account via peer-to-peer networks, cryptocurrency exchanges, or Bitcoin ATM.

The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), is rather preferred by people for payments as well as for more than only peer-to-peer exchanges or investments. However, there comes a point when BTC holders can feel the need for fiat money by converting their digital assets into fiat.

This guide offers a basic, step-by-step tutorial on how to withdraw Bitcoin to a bank account.

Essential Techniques

Your three primary options for converting BTC to cash and forwarding it to your bank account are:

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platforms: Make direct bank transfer payment contacts with purchasers.

Crypto Exchanges: Sell BTC and then move the money to your bank via exchangers.

Bitcoin ATMs: Take BTC out cash-wise and put it into your bank account.

Each strategy provides a unique BTC to cash withdrawal model feature per the region’s availability, pricing, and ease of use.

Employing P2P (peer-to-peer) Platforms

Those wishing to sell Bitcoin for cash often choose P2P sites. These platforms let users interact directly with other people interested in BTC purchases.

Step 1: Register and Verify Your Account

Most P2P sites call for users to register and finish a verification process. Usually, this entails turning in identity records to satisfy the Know Your Customer (KYC) criteria. This stage ensures that every transaction follows rules and is compliant with security.

Step 2: Post a Sell Offer

After completing your registration, you can offer to sell your BTC. You will indicate the quantity of BTC you wish to sell, the fiat currency you accept, and your desired payment method, such as a straight bank transfer.

Step 3: Await a Buyer

Potential purchasers will view your offer once it is live, and the system will notify you when any of them accepts to transact with you. P2P systems sometimes include extra information, such as buyer ratings, transaction history, and user completion rates, which allows you to deal with reliable people.

Step 4: Complete the Transaction

Should a buyer accept your offer, they will credit your bank account with the designated sum. Once you verify receipt, the BTC will be released from escrow and forwarded to the buyer.

Benefits

  • One advantage of P2P platforms is direct transactions, which makes it flexible to conduct transactions with buyers.
  • Most systems provide escrow services, which save money until both sides satisfy the terms of the transaction.

Considerations

  • The buyer’s speed of payment will affect the length of the transaction.
  • Although some systems require minimal fees, some could demand higher transaction fees.

Selling Bitcoin on a Cryptocurrency Exchange

Among the most often used methods to sell BTC for cash are crypto exchanges. Many of the best exchanges let customers trade BTC for fiat currency and deposit the equivalent in fiat money into their bank accounts.

Step 1: Register on a Bitcoin Exchange

Register and confirm your account if you do not have one on a crypto exchange. Exchanges, like P2P systems, demand that you finish KYC verification before letting any transactions go forward.

Step 2: Deposit Bitcoin into the Exchange Wallet

Deposit the BTC you wish to sell into the exchange wallet once your account is confirmed. Make sure you pick the right wallet address to prevent fund loss.

Step 3: Place a Sell Order

Put a sell order on the exchange. Indicate how much BTC you are selling and choose the fiat money you wish in return—USD, EUR, GBP, or another. The trade will connect your sell order with a buyer that’s currently active.

Step 4: Withdrawing to Your Bank Account

The fiat money will show up in your exchange account once the sale is completed. After that, you can move the funds to your bank account using your chosen withdrawal method, say a bank wire transfer.

Benefits

  • Convenience is one of the benefits of cryptocurrency exchanges.
  • Transactions are quickly automated.
  • Exchanges give you access to a sizable pool of buyers.

Considerations

  • You should find out whether your area is supported since some countries forbid crypto exchanges.
  • Most exchanges impose transaction and withdrawal fees.

Cash Out Bitcoin Using ATMs

Another choice for withdrawing your BTC is Bitcoin ATMs. These devices let you turn your cryptocurrencies into cash instantly. Though not present everywhere, they can be a handy approach to withdrawing money without having to deal with a P2P or exchange platform.

Step 1: Find a Bitcoin ATM

Websites like CoinATMRadar or apps specifically targeted at Bitcoin ATM locations will help you find a nearby one. Some crypto exchanges also include ATM listings on their apps or websites.

Step 2: Confirm Your Identity

For significant transactions, many Bitcoin ATM systems call for identification confirmation. Usually, this entails adding your phone number and getting an SMS code for confirmation. However, verification might not be required for bit-size purchases.

Third Step: Sell Bitcoin for Cash

Once your identity is confirmed, choose “Sell” on the ATM screen. The machine will next ask you to type the BTC quantity you want to sell. The screen will show a QR code, which you will scan with your wallet app to move the Bitcoin.

Step 4: Collect Cash and Deposit into Your Bank

The ATM will deliver cash equivalent to the value of the BTC you sold following verified transaction confirmation. Then, using a local branch or deposit machine, you can put this money into your bank account.

Benefits

  • One advantage of Bitcoin ATMs is the rapid transaction capability for turning BTC into cash.
  • The transaction is not completed with an exchange account or wallet linked to a platform.

Considerations

  • Bitcoin ATMs might not be in every area.
  • ATM charges are more than P2P systems or exchanges.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your preference and location, withdrawing BTC to a bank account can be accomplished with P2P platforms, crypto exchanges, or Bitcoin ATMs. Each approach has benefits and downsides; however, the best one for you depends on your particular requirements.

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Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Bitcoin Miner CleanSpark Acquires 7 Mining Rigs: What to Know

Prominent Bitcoin mining firm CleanSpark recently revealed that it is on the verge of acquiring seven new crypto mining facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee. According to the Bitcoin miner, the purchase would cost the company approximately $27.5 million, and the details of the purchase will be completed by September 25.

CleanSpark’s Hashrate Expansion

With a plan to increase its current hashrate by over 22%, CleanSpark is set to expand its operational capabilities significantly. The installation of next-generation S21 Pro miners across its seven facilities—which have a combined capacity of 85 megawatts (MW)—will enable this expansion.

CleanSpark expects its combined operating hashrate to reach five exahashes per second (EH/s) once the miners are installed. These advancements strengthen CleanSpark’s competitive position in this rapidly changing industry while also improving its operational efficiency.

CleanSpark’s Strategic Vision

Zach Bradford, CEO of CleanSpark, claimed that his company has locked in low prices and quickly filled newly acquired data center spaces as a result of its acquisition of these mining servers. Bradford further said that the company’s new centers in Wyoming and Tennessee, along with its recent acquisition of GRIID, valued at $155 million, represent a continued execution of CleanSpark’s broader growth strategy.

Bradford stressed that Tennessee will adopt CleanSpark’s community-focused strategy, which has worked well in Georgia and will benefit nearby communities as well as the local power system.

Stock’s Performance and Industry Standard

Meanwhile, CleanSpark’s (ticker: CLSK) stock has fluctuated despite the positives surrounding the firm lately. The stock is down 18% year to date and was down 4.5% at $9.93 per share at the time of the announcement.

CleanSpark and other industry heavyweights like MARA and Core Scientific are among the top three producers of Bitcoin after investment giant Bernstein gave it an “outperform” rating. In particular, Bernstein’s bullish analysis highlighted CleanSpark’s operational effectiveness, as well as its location as the “sweet spot” for energy efficiency and realized hash rate/uptime.

In August, CleanSpark demonstrated its operational strength by mining 478 Bitcoin, which increased its total operating hashrate by 1.4 EH/s. As of August 31, 2024, the company held 7,558 Bitcoin, underscoring its robust operational capabilities.

Bitcoin Mining Environmental Debate

Nevertheless, the Bitcoin mining industry has drawn criticism for its effects on the environment. Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) protocol and high processing power requirements have raised questions about its carbon footprint.

Various science-backed studies have frequently sounded the alarm regarding the environmental costs of mining cryptocurrencies. However, these concerns have stoked political arguments and fostered anti-crypto sentiment in some quarters.

Wes Geisenberger, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG at stablecoin issuer and decentralized public ledger Hedera, stressed the significance of understanding the environmental impact of the industry. Geisenberger argued that the crypto industry must assess its carbon footprint transparently and comparably like other financial and technological sectors.

By reinforcing how Bitcoin mining can help with sustainable energy solutions, a number of Bitcoin mining companies have attempted to dispel these unfavorable impressions. For example, hydroelectric firms sell excess energy they generate during periods of low demand to power mining operations, enabling effective energy usage.

Similarly, flared gas miners repurpose a petrochemical industry waste product, making it useful for Bitcoin mining.

Bitcoin Mining and Environmental Challenges

Meanwhile, research has demonstrated that Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains have drawbacks despite being frequently praised for their energy efficiency. The widely-held notion that PoS blockchains are intrinsically greener than PoW protocols, such as Bitcoin, was called into question by a recent report from the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies.

The paper raises questions about the long-term sustainability of PoS systems since they may be more susceptible to centralization. This centralization is an issue since PoS systems rely on validators who stake tokens rather than computational power to process transactions.

Hence, the whole industry is moving forward with addressing the environmental impact of mining cryptocurrencies. Task forces have been formed to provide answers to complicated carbon accounting questions.

They are to make sure mining operations comply with appropriate voluntary and regulatory disclosure requirements. The Bitcoin mining industry must balance its rapid growth pace with maintaining environmental sustainability, which will ultimately determine its future.

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