The discovery of numerous Bitcoin mining operations with ties to China on American soil has flagged serious national security concerns among US authorities. A comprehensive report published by The New York Times on October 13 unveils a substantial presence of Bitcoin data centres in the US, traceable back to the Chinese government. The proximity of some of these operations to critical military and infrastructure sites further exacerbates the apprehensions. A notable case is a mining operation in Wyoming, situated adjacent to a Microsoft data center, pivotal in supporting various Department of Defence initiatives.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
The exploration sheds light on the potential risks emerging from growing Chinese-linked mining operations amidst the escalating political discord between the United States and China. The latter’s decision to outlaw mining activities in 2021 propelled many mining entities to migrate to crypto-receptive US states like Texas and Wyoming. The broader geopolitical implications are palpable as these revelations come at a time of heightened tension between the two superpowers, with the US continually scrutinizing cryptocurrency usage by individuals and corporations affiliated with China. Moreover, six Congress members called for a thorough investigation in July, following allegations of the cryptocurrency startup Prometheum having connections to the Chinese government.
Power Grid and Infrastructure Stress
The infrastructural stress induced by these mining operations is significant. The collective energy consumption of Chinese-owned or operated Bitcoin mining facilities across at least twelve states equates to that of 1.5 million households, posing a considerable demand on the US power grid. These mining facilities, harboring specialized computers operating ceaselessly, have the potential for targeted blackouts and cyberattacks due to their substantial energy usage and the instantaneous capability to escalate or cease operations, presenting a unique challenge among large power users.
Ownership and Equipment Supply
A commonality among these mining operations is the utilization of computing equipment produced by Bitmain, a Chinese enterprise. Following China’s ban on Bitcoin mining in May 2021, there has been a noticeable uptick in equipment shipments from Bitmain to the US. The ownership structures of these mining ventures range from transparent investments by affluent Chinese nationals seeking revenue channels outside China’s jurisdiction, to more murky setups with several traceable back to the Chinese government.
The revelation of Chinese-linked Bitcoin mining operations dispersed across the US, intertwined with substantial energy consumption and potential national security threats, has garnered the attention of both US government officials and corporations. The unfolding scenario evokes pressing inquiries concerning cybersecurity, energy sustainability, and the ongoing geopolitical strain between the US and China.
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