hodler

11 Mar 2026, 14:00

Alibaba's AI Agent Mined Crypto Without Permission. Now What?

Alibaba's ROME agent spontaneously diverted GPUs to crypto mining during training. The incident falls into a gap between AI, crypto, and cybersecurity regulation.

11 Mar 2026, 13:59

Bitcoin Miners Resume BTC Sales as Rising Costs Pressure Profitability

Bitcoin miners are beginning to sell their Bitcoin holdings once again, signaling a shift in strategy as profitability concerns mount. The latest actions by Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) and Core Scientific highlight the growing trend of miners liquidating reserves to stay operational in a challenging market. MARA’s Policy Shift and Bitcoin Sale BTC miner MARA recently moved 298 BTC to Cumberland, just after announcing a new policy allowing it to sell its Bitcoin reserves. This move marks a change in the company’s strategy, signaling that Bitcoin miners are now more willing to liquidate holdings to support their operations and strengthen their balance sheets. The recent sale follows MARA’s filings that reveal their mining costs are significantly high. According to the company’s estimates, the average cost of mining a single Bitcoin is approximately $70,027. This number includes the cost per petahash per second (PH/s) and operational hash rate. With around 23.3 BTC mined daily, this hefty cost structure raises concerns for profitability. Source: X Other Bitcoin miners like Core Scientific have also engaged in similar strategies. Core Scientific recently sold 2,174 BTC that had been accumulating since December 2024. These sales reflect a broader trend where miners are liquidating some of their holdings to fund other operational needs, such as AI infrastructure expansion, while maintaining balance sheets. Rising Mining Costs and Profitability Concerns Bitcoin mining isn’t cheap, and the price of mining operations is climbing. As seen with MARA’s filings, the cost of producing Bitcoin is averaging around $70,027 per coin. This cost is driven by factors such as hardware efficiency, electricity costs, and power usage effectiveness (PUE), all of which have a significant impact on mining profitability. Source: X Miners operating more efficiently with advanced hardware and lower power costs can produce Bitcoin for around $45,000 per coin. However, the profitability of these operations heavily depends on the location and the costs associated with running the infrastructure. As miners continue to face these rising operational costs, many are reconsidering their strategies and selling off some of their Bitcoin holdings to offset these expenses. This trend has become more apparent in recent months, as several miners, including MARA, have chosen to liquidate part of their Bitcoin reserves. Geopolitical Tensions and Market Uncertainty The broader cryptocurrency market is facing a period of heightened uncertainty, with geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic factors influencing investor sentiment. Bitcoin traders, including those on Polymarket, have become more cautious about the future price of Bitcoin. For instance, traders have assigned only an 51% probability that Bitcoin will reach $90,000 by the end of 2026. Source: Polymarket These uncertain market conditions are contributing to the decision of many miners to sell off their Bitcoin holdings. The behavior of these traders suggests that scarcity alone may not be enough to drive the price of Bitcoin higher. Moreover, currently, they are assigning only 48% odds that Bitcoin will dip to $45,000, indicating a cautious outlook. Despite Bitcoin reaching the milestone of 20 million coins mined, signaling scarcity, the market remains volatile. This dynamic is placing pressure on miners who must carefully manage their reserves to avoid further losses. Apparent Demand and Market Consolidation Following a large sell-off in the Bitcoin market, Apparent Demand briefly showed signs of recovery. This brief uptick indicated that opportunistic buyers were stepping in after the price decline. However, the recovery was short-lived, with demand quickly turning negative again. The lack of sustained buying pressure suggests that market participants remain cautious and unwilling to accumulate aggressively at current levels. The CryptoQuant Bull Market Cycle Indicator, which tracks market behavior, signals that Bitcoin is in a phase typically associated with bear market consolidation. This phase is marked by short-term volatility and sideways price action, which can be psychologically taxing for investors. Many participants lose interest or reduce exposure during these periods, leading to a slower recovery or further declines. Additionally, Long-Term Holder SOPR (Spent Output Profit Ratio) has shown signs that even long-term Bitcoin holders are beginning to realize losses. This metric, which has dropped below the key threshold of 1, indicates that prolonged uncertainty is affecting even the most steadfast investors. Historically, this phase coincides with the redistribution of Bitcoin from long-term holders to new participants who have lower cost bases.

11 Mar 2026, 13:35

Zcash Mining Pool Launch: Foundry Digital’s Strategic Diversification Move for Institutional Miners

BitcoinWorld Zcash Mining Pool Launch: Foundry Digital’s Strategic Diversification Move for Institutional Miners Foundry Digital, a dominant force in Bitcoin mining infrastructure, will launch a U.S.-based Zcash (ZEC) mining pool next month, marking a significant expansion into privacy-focused cryptocurrency mining for institutional clients. This strategic move, first reported by CoinDesk, represents a calculated response to growing market demand for diversified mining revenue streams beyond Bitcoin. The announcement comes amid increasing institutional interest in alternative proof-of-work cryptocurrencies and follows comprehensive regulatory compliance preparations. Foundry Digital’s Zcash Mining Pool Expansion Foundry Digital, currently ranking among the largest Bitcoin mining pools by hashrate, will introduce its specialized Zcash mining service in the coming weeks. The company operates as a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, a prominent blockchain-focused conglomerate. This expansion specifically targets institutional miners seeking revenue diversification opportunities. Consequently, the move addresses several market trends simultaneously. The new pool will operate under strict U.S. regulatory frameworks, implementing mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. Furthermore, Foundry’s established infrastructure provides immediate advantages for ZEC miners. The timing coincides with renewed interest in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. Zcash, launched in 2016, utilizes advanced zero-knowledge proof technology called zk-SNARKs. This technology enables transaction verification without revealing sender, receiver, or amount details. Meanwhile, institutional adoption of privacy coins faces increasing regulatory scrutiny globally. Foundry’s compliance-focused approach directly addresses these concerns. The company’s existing relationships with major mining hardware manufacturers also provide logistical advantages. Additionally, their proven pool management experience ensures reliable service from launch. Market Context and Mining Economics The cryptocurrency mining industry continues evolving beyond Bitcoin dominance. Currently, Bitcoin represents approximately 40% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization. However, alternative proof-of-work coins offer different economic models. Zcash employs the Equihash mining algorithm, which remains accessible to GPU miners despite ASIC development. This algorithmic difference creates distinct market dynamics. The ZEC mining difficulty adjusts approximately every 75 seconds, compared to Bitcoin’s 2016-block adjustment period. Consequently, mining profitability exhibits different volatility patterns. Revenue Diversification Strategies Institutional mining operations increasingly prioritize revenue diversification. Bitcoin mining profitability faces periodic compression during halving events. The next Bitcoin halving, expected in 2028, will reduce block rewards from 3.125 to 1.5625 BTC. Therefore, forward-looking miners explore alternative revenue streams. Zcash mining presents several attractive characteristics. The coin’s privacy features maintain consistent demand from specific user segments. Additionally, ZEC’s monetary policy includes a 20% founder’s reward until 2024, after which all block rewards go to miners. This transition creates changing economic incentives. Recent market data illustrates shifting dynamics. Zcash’s price increased approximately 45% year-to-date, outperforming many major cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, mining difficulty decreased slightly during the same period. These conditions create favorable entry points for new mining participants. Foundry’s institutional-grade pool offers several advantages over existing options. The company provides enterprise-level security protocols and reliable payout systems. Moreover, their U.S. regulatory compliance reduces jurisdictional risks for institutional participants. Comparative Mining Metrics: Bitcoin vs. Zcash Metric Bitcoin (BTC) Zcash (ZEC) Algorithm SHA-256 Equihash Block Time 10 minutes 75 seconds Current Block Reward 3.125 BTC 3.125 ZEC Halving Schedule Every 210,000 blocks No scheduled halving Privacy Features Pseudonymous zk-SNARKs optional Regulatory Compliance Framework Foundry Digital’s compliance approach represents a model for institutional cryptocurrency services. The company will implement comprehensive KYC procedures for all pool participants. These measures include identity verification and source-of-funds documentation. Additionally, AML monitoring will track transaction patterns for suspicious activity. This compliance framework addresses concerns from financial regulators worldwide. Privacy coins face particular scrutiny from global financial authorities. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued specific guidance for virtual asset service providers in 2021. Foundry’s procedures align with these international standards. The regulatory landscape for privacy coins continues evolving. Several jurisdictions implemented restrictions on privacy-enhancing cryptocurrencies. However, the United States maintains a more nuanced approach. Regulatory clarity improves through ongoing court cases and legislative developments. Foundry’s decision to base operations in the United States reflects confidence in this regulatory trajectory. The company’s parent organization, Digital Currency Group, maintains active engagement with policymakers. This engagement helps shape reasonable regulatory frameworks. Consequently, institutional participants gain regulatory certainty through Foundry’s compliance measures. Technical Infrastructure and Implementation Foundry Digital leverages existing technical infrastructure for the Zcash pool launch. The company operates massive data centers across North America. These facilities feature advanced cooling systems and reliable power contracts. Additionally, Foundry maintains relationships with major mining hardware manufacturers. This access ensures optimal equipment availability for ZEC mining. The pool software undergoes extensive testing before launch. Foundry’s engineering team modified their proven Bitcoin pool architecture for Equihash compatibility. Key technical features include: Low latency connections to major Zcash network nodes Real-time monitoring of mining hardware performance Automated payout systems with multiple withdrawal options Advanced security protocols protecting against pool attacks Detailed reporting tools for institutional accounting The implementation follows a phased rollout strategy. Initial capacity will support approximately 20% of current Zcash network hashrate. Subsequently, expansion plans accommodate growing demand. Foundry’s existing client relationships facilitate rapid adoption. Many current Bitcoin mining clients expressed interest in ZEC diversification. This existing trust reduces adoption barriers significantly. Industry Impact and Future Implications The mining pool launch signals broader industry trends. Institutional participation in cryptocurrency mining continues increasing. However, concentration in Bitcoin mining creates systemic risks. Diversification into alternative proof-of-work coins mitigates these risks. Foundry’s move may encourage similar expansions by other mining pools. The competitive landscape for Zcash mining services could intensify. This competition typically benefits miners through improved services and lower fees. Additionally, increased institutional participation may enhance Zcash network security. More distributed mining power reduces centralization risks. The privacy coin sector faces ongoing technological evolution. Zcash developers continue improving the protocol’s efficiency and usability. Future upgrades may enhance mining economics further. Foundry’s commitment suggests confidence in Zcash’s long-term viability. The company’s resources could support protocol development indirectly. Moreover, institutional validation may increase mainstream acceptance of privacy coins. This acceptance must balance with regulatory compliance requirements. Foundry’s model demonstrates this balance is achievable. Conclusion Foundry Digital’s Zcash mining pool launch represents a strategic diversification initiative for institutional cryptocurrency miners. The move addresses growing demand for privacy-focused mining opportunities while maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance. The pool’s U.S.-based operations provide jurisdictional certainty for institutional participants. Furthermore, Foundry’s established infrastructure ensures reliable service from launch. This expansion reflects broader industry trends toward mining diversification beyond Bitcoin. The Zcash mining pool launch may influence competitive dynamics within the privacy coin mining sector. Ultimately, institutional participation could enhance network security and protocol development for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. FAQs Q1: When exactly will Foundry Digital launch its Zcash mining pool? Foundry Digital will launch its U.S.-based Zcash (ZEC) mining pool next month, following final regulatory compliance checks and technical testing. The company has not announced a specific calendar date but confirmed the launch window in their official announcement. Q2: What are the main advantages of mining Zcash compared to Bitcoin? Zcash mining utilizes the Equihash algorithm, which remains accessible to GPU miners and offers different difficulty adjustment dynamics. The block time is significantly faster at 75 seconds, and the privacy features create distinct market demand. Additionally, ZEC mining provides diversification from Bitcoin’s halving cycle economics. Q3: How will Foundry ensure regulatory compliance for privacy coin mining? Foundry Digital will implement comprehensive Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) monitoring for all pool participants. The company bases its operations in the United States and follows Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidance for virtual asset service providers. Q4: What mining hardware is most effective for Zcash mining? Zcash’s Equihash algorithm works efficiently with both ASIC miners (like the Bitmain Antminer Z15) and high-end GPU setups. Foundry’s institutional clients typically use specialized ASIC equipment, but the pool will support all compatible mining hardware types. Q5: How does this launch affect the broader cryptocurrency mining industry? Foundry’s expansion signals increasing institutional interest in mining diversification beyond Bitcoin. This move may encourage other major pools to offer alternative coin mining services, potentially improving competition, lowering fees, and enhancing network security for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. This post Zcash Mining Pool Launch: Foundry Digital’s Strategic Diversification Move for Institutional Miners first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Mar 2026, 13:00

Mining giant Foundry to introduce institutional zcash mining pool

The pool is designed for institutional and public company miners, focusing on compliance and regulated infrastructure.

11 Mar 2026, 07:30

The 20 Million Milestone: Bitcoin Mining Is, and Always Will Be, an Energy Business

Artificial intelligence is having its electricity moment. Across global markets, utilities are scrambling to connect massive new data centers. Tech giants are locking in gigawatts of power. Transmission queues to connect the new generation to the grid are backlogged. Electrical substations are suddenly strategic assets. The AI boom has made one thing clear: computation is

11 Mar 2026, 06:00

Bitcoin Crosses 20 Million Coins Mined — And Only 1 In 20 Remains

The last full Bitcoin could be mined sometime in the 2090s. Only fractions will follow until roughly 2140, when the final satoshi is expected to be produced. Related Reading: Bitcoin ETFs Break 5-Month Streak With 2nd Consecutive Week Of Inflows That endpoint moved one step closer Sunday when miners pulled the 20 millionth coin from the network — exactly 17 years, two months, and one week after the first block was mined in January 2009. A Pool Called Foundry USA Did The Work The Foundry USA mining pool mined that coin at block height 939,999, collecting a reward of 3.125 BTC. That figure reflects the current payout level set by the April 2024 halving, which cut daily network production from 900 BTC to roughly 450 BTC. The 20 million mark means 95.24% of all Bitcoin that will ever exist is now out in the world. For every 20 coins already mined, just one remains to be created. The remaining 1 million will take about 114 years to fully issue. Not All 20 Million Coins Are Accessible According to blockchain analytics firms River Financial and Chainalysis, between 2.3 million and 3.7 million BTC are gone permanently — lost to forgotten passwords, misplaced private keys, and early holders who never passed on wallet access. Recent data has estimated about 1.8 million coins were lost during Bitcoin’s earliest years, when the asset had little value and storage infrastructure was unreliable. Another 230 BTC is locked forever due to the original genesis block and early outputs written with scripts that cannot be spent. The practical supply available to buy, sell, or hold sits well below 20 million. Miners Face A Long-Term Revenue Problem The same halving schedule that caps Bitcoin’s supply also shrinks miner income over time. Daily issuance will fall below 30 BTC by the 2040s and below 2 BTC per day by the 2060s. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Valuation Model Hints At $500K Cycle Average, Analyst Says Once subsidies approach zero, transaction fees become the only compensation miners receive for securing the network. Whether those fees can sustain robust protection remains unanswered. The milestone arrived while Bitcoin traded around $69,282, down nearly 21% year-to-date. Despite pressure from macroeconomic uncertainty and Middle East conflict, it gained about 3.44% over the past week. The next halving is scheduled for April 11, 2028, cutting the block reward from 3.125 BTC to 1.5625 BTC. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView