hodler

18 Mar 2026, 10:39

Cango Posts $452.8M Net Loss in First Year of Bitcoin Mining

Cango Inc. posted a net loss of $452.8 million in 2025, its first full year as a Bitcoin miner. The company generated $688.1 million in total revenue, with $675.5 million from Bitcoin mining operations.

18 Mar 2026, 10:30

Maestro Launches Bitcoin-Native Institutional Credit Market for Mining Infrastructure

Maestro has introduced Mezzamine, an onchain credit market enabling institutional investors to generate bitcoin yield through renewable mining operations. Maestro launched Mezzamine on March 17th, 2026, in Austin, Texas, debuting its first live program with the renewable energy provider Sazmining. The Bitcoin-native ( BTC) facility allows institutional holders to finance mining hashrate to earn an

12 Mar 2026, 13:52

Bybit Launches All-New Rewards Hub, Reimagining the Trading Rewards Experience

BitcoinWorld Bybit Launches All-New Rewards Hub, Reimagining the Trading Rewards Experience Dubai, UAE, March 12th, 2026, Chainwire Bybit , the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has launched a fully redesigned Rewards Hub , marking a major upgrade aimed at delivering clearer reward journeys, more relevant incentives and a more intuitive user experience for traders at every stage. The new Rewards Hub introduces a streamlined structure built around two adaptive modes that automatically evolve with each user’s trading journey. The update is designed to make rewards easier to understand, simpler to track, and more engaging over time, without requiring manual switching between experiences. For newly registered users, the Rewards Hub opens with New User Exclusive Mode , available during the first seven days after sign-up. This mode is designed to help first-time traders get started with accessible rewards and guided activities. Eligible users can unlock a welcome gift of up to 100 USDT with a single action, valid for seven days from registration. As users begin exploring Bybit’s ecosystem, additional rewards are gradually revealed, with potential incentives totaling more than 10,000 USDT over time. New User Exclusive Mode also introduces beginner-focused activities tied to Bybit’s core products, including Spot trading, Earn and Pay. A dedicated activity zone for new users operates continuously, offering events tailored specifically to those at the start of their trading journey. All earned rewards are consolidated within a centralized “My Rewards” section, where users can track bonuses, coupons, airdrops, and physical reward vouchers in one place. After completing initial tasks or once the seven-day new user period concludes, users automatically transition into Pro Mode . This experience is designed for longer-term engagement and ongoing participation. Pro Mode features personalized task tables aligned with users’ preferred products, along with simple daily activities that can unlock level-up rewards. Some tasks refresh daily, providing recurring opportunities to earn incentives. Pro Mode also introduces limited-time and surprise-based rewards, including flash events, time-sensitive bonuses, and periodic “easter egg” rewards that appear without advance notice. These elements are intended to add variety and sustained engagement to the rewards experience. The redesigned Rewards Hub reflects Bybit’s broader focus on simplifying user journeys while expanding the depth and flexibility of its incentive programs. By consolidating rewards into a single, adaptive hub and aligning them more closely with individual trading behavior, the platform aims to deliver a more transparent and rewarding experience throughout 2026 and beyond. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #IMakeIt About Bybit Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media Contact Head of PR Tony Au Bybit [email protected] This post Bybit Launches All-New Rewards Hub, Reimagining the Trading Rewards Experience first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

12 Mar 2026, 05:30

From Blackouts to Bitcoin: South African Power Utility’s Surreal Pivot to High-Intensity Power Sales

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, is reversing its previous stance by targeting high-intensity energy consumers, specifically bitcoin mining companies. Nyati announced plans to sell excess electricity generated during the day due to increased solar power usage. The Solar Paradox In a shift that seemed impossible only two years ago, South African state-owned power utility

11 Mar 2026, 23:50

Rare Earth Elements: The Critical Leverage Reshaping US-China Geopolitical Tensions

BitcoinWorld Rare Earth Elements: The Critical Leverage Reshaping US-China Geopolitical Tensions Rare earth elements have emerged as pivotal strategic leverage in escalating US-China tensions, fundamentally reshaping global supply chains and national security calculations according to comprehensive analysis from Rabobank. These seventeen metallic elements, essential for modern technologies from smartphones to fighter jets, now represent a critical geopolitical battleground with profound implications for global economic stability and technological sovereignty. Rare Earth Elements Define Modern Geopolitical Competition The strategic importance of rare earth elements cannot be overstated. These minerals power everything from electric vehicle motors to precision-guided weapons systems. China currently dominates global production, controlling approximately 60% of mining and 85% of processing capacity. This concentration creates significant vulnerabilities for Western nations, particularly the United States and European Union member states. Consequently, governments worldwide now prioritize securing alternative supply chains. Rabobank’s analysis reveals several critical dimensions of this strategic competition. First, technological advancement increasingly depends on reliable rare earth access. Second, national security considerations now directly influence mineral policy. Third, environmental regulations create complex trade-offs between domestic production and import dependence. Finally, economic competitiveness in green technologies requires stable mineral supplies. The Historical Context of Mineral Dependence Current tensions trace back to deliberate policy decisions made decades ago. During the 1990s, Western nations largely outsourced mining and processing to China due to lower costs and less stringent environmental regulations. This decision created today’s supply chain vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, China systematically developed comprehensive rare earth industrial policies, integrating mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling into a cohesive strategic framework. The 2010 rare earth crisis first highlighted these vulnerabilities when China temporarily restricted exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. This event triggered global awareness about supply chain risks. Since then, multiple nations have attempted to diversify sources with limited success. Australia, Myanmar, and the United States have increased production, but processing capacity remains concentrated in China, creating persistent strategic dependencies. Strategic Responses and Supply Chain Realignment The United States has implemented multiple initiatives to reduce rare earth dependence. The Defense Production Act now prioritizes domestic critical mineral development. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act includes substantial incentives for domestic processing facilities. These measures aim to rebuild complete supply chains from mining through manufacturing. However, significant challenges remain, including environmental permitting, technical expertise gaps, and substantial capital requirements. Several key developments characterize current strategic responses: Diversification efforts: Multiple nations now invest in African and Australian mining projects Technological innovation: Research focuses on reducing rare earth usage and improving recycling Strategic stockpiling: Governments increase reserves of critical minerals Trade policy adjustments: Tariffs and export controls become mineral-specific tools Economic Impacts and Market Dynamics Geopolitical tensions directly influence rare earth markets through price volatility and investment patterns. Prices for neodymium and praseodymium, essential for permanent magnets, have fluctuated dramatically in response to trade policy announcements. These fluctuations create uncertainty for manufacturers across multiple industries. Consequently, companies increasingly seek long-term supply agreements and vertical integration strategies to ensure stability. The green energy transition amplifies these economic pressures. Electric vehicles require approximately 1 kilogram of rare earth elements per motor. Wind turbines use substantial quantities in their generators. Solar panels incorporate rare earths in their manufacturing processes. Therefore, achieving climate goals depends directly on securing reliable mineral supplies, creating complex intersections between environmental policy and national security considerations. Technological Innovation and Alternative Solutions Research institutions and private companies actively pursue technological solutions to rare earth dependencies. Several promising approaches have emerged recently. First, material scientists develop alternative compounds with similar magnetic properties. Second, recycling technologies improve recovery rates from electronic waste. Third, mining technologies enable extraction from previously uneconomic deposits. Fourth, substitution research identifies common materials for specific applications. These innovations progress at varying speeds. Recycling technologies show particular promise, with some processes achieving 95% recovery rates for specific elements. However, collection infrastructure remains underdeveloped in most regions. Similarly, substitution research has succeeded in some applications but faces fundamental physical limitations in high-performance applications like defense systems and advanced motors. Global Cooperation and Competitive Dynamics Despite tensions, selective cooperation continues in rare earth research and standard-setting. International organizations facilitate information sharing about best practices and environmental standards. Meanwhile, competitive dynamics drive innovation in processing technologies and supply chain resilience. This complex interplay between cooperation and competition characterizes the current geopolitical landscape, with nations simultaneously collaborating on research while competing for resources and market share. The following table illustrates key rare earth elements and their primary applications: Element Primary Applications Substitution Difficulty Neodymium Permanent magnets, EVs, wind turbines High Dysprosium High-temperature magnets, defense systems Very High Cerium Catalytic converters, glass polishing Medium Lanthanum Camera lenses, battery alloys Medium Yttrium Superconductors, LED displays High Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Development Rare earth mining and processing present significant environmental challenges that influence policy decisions. Traditional extraction methods generate substantial radioactive waste and chemical runoff. Consequently, environmental regulations substantially impact production costs and location decisions. Western nations face difficult trade-offs between environmental protection and supply security, while developing nations balance economic development against ecological preservation. New technologies offer potential solutions to these environmental challenges. In-situ leaching reduces surface disturbance at mining sites. Advanced water treatment systems minimize chemical discharge. Circular economy approaches maximize material efficiency throughout product lifecycles. However, these technologies require substantial investment and regulatory support to achieve widespread adoption, creating another dimension of international competition in environmental innovation. Future Scenarios and Strategic Implications Rabobank’s analysis identifies several plausible future scenarios based on current trends. First, continued tension could lead to fragmented supply chains and technological decoupling. Second, technological breakthroughs might reduce dependencies and reshape market dynamics. Third, new discoveries could alter geographic concentrations of resources. Fourth, climate change impacts might affect mining operations and transportation routes. Each scenario carries distinct implications for global stability and economic development. Strategic planning must account for these multiple possibilities. Governments increasingly incorporate rare earth scenarios into national security planning and economic policy development. Similarly, corporations develop contingency plans for various supply chain disruptions. This multi-scenario approach represents a significant evolution in strategic thinking about mineral resources, moving beyond simple projections to prepare for multiple possible futures. Conclusion Rare earth elements have transformed from industrial commodities to strategic assets in US-China tensions, fundamentally altering geopolitical calculations and economic planning. The concentration of production and processing in China creates persistent vulnerabilities for Western nations, driving substantial investments in diversification and innovation. Meanwhile, technological advancements and environmental considerations add complexity to strategic decisions. Ultimately, securing reliable access to these critical minerals represents a fundamental challenge for national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership in the coming decades, with rare earth elements serving as both leverage and vulnerability in great power competition. FAQs Q1: What makes rare earth elements so strategically important? Rare earth elements possess unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties essential for modern technologies including smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced defense systems. Their irreplaceability in high-performance applications creates strategic dependencies. Q2: How did China achieve dominance in rare earth production? China systematically developed comprehensive industrial policies over decades, investing in mining infrastructure, processing technology, and downstream manufacturing while Western nations outsourced production due to environmental regulations and cost considerations. Q3: What are the main challenges to diversifying rare earth supply chains? Key challenges include high capital requirements for processing facilities, technical expertise gaps, environmental permitting complexities, and China’s established economies of scale that create significant cost advantages. Q4: How do rare earth elements affect the green energy transition? Electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar technologies all require substantial rare earth inputs, creating direct links between mineral security and climate goals. Supply disruptions could significantly delay renewable energy adoption. Q5: What technological solutions might reduce rare earth dependencies? Promising approaches include improved recycling from electronic waste, development of alternative magnetic materials, more efficient mining technologies, and design innovations that minimize rare earth usage in final products. This post Rare Earth Elements: The Critical Leverage Reshaping US-China Geopolitical Tensions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Mar 2026, 19:07

Foundry plans Zcash mining pool amid institutional interest in privacy coin

The digital asset infrastructure company plans to launch the pool in April as it expands beyond Bitcoin mining services.