Crypto Mining Blog

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Neumüller, research lead at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, to explore the real-world mechanics, misconceptions, and future of Bitcoin mining. From his early mining days in China to publishing one of the most comprehensive reports on Bitcoin energy use, Alex brings a rare combination of academic rigor and hands-on experience to a debate often dominated by speculation and Twitter threads. We dive deep into the Cambridge Bitcoin Mining Report, which challenges mainstream narratives with hard data — revealing that over 52% of mining now uses renewable energy and highlighting how miners are helping reduce global gas flaring by repurposing wasted energy. Alex breaks down how mining actually works, why Proof of Work is essential to Bitcoin’s security model, and how geopolitical and energy dynamics are reshaping the industry. Our conversation explores Bitcoin's critical challenges: whether mining remains sustainable after halvings, how miners will compete with AI for cheap energy, and what happens when block rewards disappear entirely. We also explore surprising use cases, like how miners are repurposing waste heat to dry food and heat buildings, and discuss why Bitcoin mining might be the most misunderstood climate tech of our time. Alex opens up about the challenge of translating complex research into plain language — and why bridging that gap may be the key to broader societal acceptance. Whether you’re a miner, policymaker, investor, or simply curious about Bitcoin’s infrastructure layer, this episode offers clear, grounded insight into one of the most controversial — and crucial — pieces of the crypto puzzle. A must-listen for anyone serious about energy, decentralization, sustainability, and the long game of building in crypto.

In this episode, I talk with Arty Bespaloff, one of the earliest Bitcoin mining pioneers, about how a search for a banned book led him into crypto — and eventually into building physical infrastructure for a decentralized future. From growing up in Kazakhstan and Argentina to discovering Bitcoin on the dark web and launching one of Canada’s first OTC desks and mining businesses, Artem shares a compelling origin story shaped by curiosity and resilience. We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control. Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely. We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise. Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Neumüller, research lead at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, to explore the real-world mechanics, misconceptions, and future of Bitcoin mining. From his early mining days in China to publishing one of the most comprehensive reports on Bitcoin energy use, Alex brings a rare combination of academic rigor and hands-on experience to a debate often dominated by speculation and Twitter threads. We dive deep into the Cambridge Bitcoin Mining Report, which challenges mainstream narratives with hard data — revealing that over 52% of mining now uses renewable energy and highlighting how miners are helping reduce global gas flaring by repurposing wasted energy. Alex breaks down how mining actually works, why Proof of Work is essential to Bitcoin’s security model, and how geopolitical and energy dynamics are reshaping the industry. Our conversation explores Bitcoin's critical challenges: whether mining remains sustainable after halvings, how miners will compete with AI for cheap energy, and what happens when block rewards disappear entirely. We also explore surprising use cases, like how miners are repurposing waste heat to dry food and heat buildings, and discuss why Bitcoin mining might be the most misunderstood climate tech of our time. Alex opens up about the challenge of translating complex research into plain language — and why bridging that gap may be the key to broader societal acceptance. Whether you’re a miner, policymaker, investor, or simply curious about Bitcoin’s infrastructure layer, this episode offers clear, grounded insight into one of the most controversial — and crucial — pieces of the crypto puzzle. A must-listen for anyone serious about energy, decentralization, sustainability, and the long game of building in crypto. …………………………………………………………… ⏳Time codes: 00:00 – Introduction: who is Alex Neumüller 00:53 – Inside the Cambridge bitcoin mining report 02:08 – From mining in China to academic research 05:54 – Why bitcoin needs independent research 08:49 – What is bitcoin? historical and technical origins 10:47 – Satoshi’s white paper: why it mattered 12:05 – Why trust Cambridge? explaining their neutrality 15:00 – Education vs. speculation in the crypto space 16:01 – What keeps bitcoin miners awake at night 19:03 – Bitcoin and renewable energy: what the data shows 22:55 – How cheap power has shaped mining geography 24:16 – Gas flaring + bitcoin = global energy solution? 28:01 – Why governments ignore miners’ real solutions 30:04 – The mainstreaming of bitcoin and political attention 32:04 – Translating bitcoin for the general public 35:01 – Proof of work as a security layer 38:44 – Bitcoin’s identity: money or digital gold? 41:04 – Alex’s personal view on bitcoin’s utility 44:02 – Mining beyond rewards: heat & energy reuse 46:33 – Bitcoin mining vs. AI: infrastructure and load balancing 48:45 – Will bitcoin miners always be in survival mode? 50:23 – The future of mining incentives 51:10 – What surprised Alex most during the research 52:44 – Final thoughts: how miners can contribute to research …………………………………………………………… 🔗 Links & Resources: Х: https://x.com/sergiigera Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergii-gerasymovych Site: https://ezblockchain.net/ Personal website: https://gerasymovych.com …………………………………………………………… Alex on Х: https://x.com/LaurenQianLin Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-qian-lin/ Cambridge Mining Industry Report: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/cambridge-digital-mining-industry-report/ …………………………………………………………… 🚨The contents of this channel and any videos do not constitute legal, financial, business or professional advice. Always do your own research and seek the advice of your own professional advisors before making any legal, business, or financial decisions. The information contained on this channel is provided AS IS and for informational purposes only. We make no warranties or representations of any kind concerning the accuracy or suitability of the information contained on this channel. BY VIEWING A VIDEO ON THIS CHANNEL, YOU AGREE THAT WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM ACCESS TO OR USE OF ANY CONTENT AVAILABLE ON THIS CHANNEL, REGARDLESS OF THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF SUCH CONTENT, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. We reserve the right to remove or delete any comment in our sole discretion. The information and views expressed in the comments do not necessarily reflect our views.

Your Bitcoin mining questions answered as we approach the industry's biggest turning point. In this Q&A session, I tackle the critical questions every miner is asking as we face 2028 — when 99% of all Bitcoin will be mined and transaction fees must replace mining rewards. With the $10 million minimum investment reality and intensifying competition, understanding these shifts isn't optional. We explore Satoshi's original vision versus today's reality, the strategic pivot from crypto mining to AI data centers, and real success stories like CoreWeave's garage-to-billions transformation. I break down why Bitcoin mining is already 50%+ renewable, why home mining is dead, and the psychology behind Bitcoin investment failures.  The conversation covers Michael Saylor's impact on mining profitability, the explosive growth of stablecoins in developing countries, and my perspective on Bitcoin maximalism versus practical investing. Whether you're entering mining, considering an AI pivot, or planning your next three years, this Q&A provides the strategic insights you need. The mining landscape is changing fast. Get your answers before it's too late.

Your Bitcoin mining questions answered as we approach the industry's biggest turning point. In this Q&A session, I tackle the critical questions every miner is asking as we face 2028 — when 99% of all Bitcoin will be mined and transaction fees must replace mining rewards. With the $10 million minimum investment reality and intensifying competition, understanding these shifts isn't optional. We explore Satoshi's original vision versus today's reality, the strategic pivot from crypto mining to AI data centers, and real success stories like CoreWeave's garage-to-billions transformation. I break down why Bitcoin mining is already 50%+ renewable, why home mining is dead, and the psychology behind Bitcoin investment failures.  The conversation covers Michael Saylor's impact on mining profitability, the explosive growth of stablecoins in developing countries, and my perspective on Bitcoin maximalism versus practical investing. Whether you're entering mining, considering an AI pivot, or planning your next three years, this Q&A provides the strategic insights you need. The mining landscape is changing fast. Get your answers before it's too late.

We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control. Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely. We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise. Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.

Your Bitcoin mining questions answered as we approach the industry's biggest turning point. In this Q&A session, I tackle the critical questions every miner is asking as we face 2028 — when 99% of all Bitcoin will be mined and transaction fees must replace mining rewards. With the $10 million minimum investment reality and intensifying competition, understanding these shifts isn't optional. We explore Satoshi's original vision versus today's reality, the strategic pivot from crypto mining to AI data centers, and real success stories like CoreWeave's garage-to-billions transformation. I break down why Bitcoin mining is already 50%+ renewable, why home mining is dead, and the psychology behind Bitcoin investment failures.  The conversation covers Michael Saylor's impact on mining profitability, the explosive growth of stablecoins in developing countries, and my perspective on Bitcoin maximalism versus practical investing. Whether you're entering mining, considering an AI pivot, or planning your next three years, this Q&A provides the strategic insights you need. The mining landscape is changing fast. Get your answers before it's too late.

In this episode, I talk with Arty Bespaloff, one of the earliest Bitcoin mining pioneers, about how a search for a banned book led him into crypto — and eventually into building physical infrastructure for a decentralized future. From growing up in Kazakhstan and Argentina to discovering Bitcoin on the dark web and launching one of Canada’s first OTC desks and mining businesses, Artem shares a compelling origin story shaped by curiosity and resilience. We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control. Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely. We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise. Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.

In this episode, I talk with Arty Bespaloff, one of the earliest Bitcoin mining pioneers, about how a search for a banned book led him into crypto — and eventually into building physical infrastructure for a decentralized future. From growing up in Kazakhstan and Argentina to discovering Bitcoin on the dark web and launching one of Canada’s first OTC desks and mining businesses, Artem shares a compelling origin story shaped by curiosity and resilience. We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control. Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely. We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise. Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.

In this episode, I talk with Arty Bespaloff, one of the earliest Bitcoin mining pioneers, about how a search for a banned book led him into crypto — and eventually into building physical infrastructure for a decentralized future. From growing up in Kazakhstan and Argentina to discovering Bitcoin on the dark web and launching one of Canada’s first OTC desks and mining businesses, Artem shares a compelling origin story shaped by curiosity and resilience. We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control. Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely. We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise. Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.