Bitmain Reportedly Eyeing Canada for Bitcoin Mining Expansion

After announcing a Swiss branch, Chinese bitcoin mining giant Bitmain is reportedly looking at a second expansion into Quebec.

AccessTimeIconJan 15, 2018 at 7:03 a.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:22 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

A few days after announcing a new branch in Switzerland, China’s mining giant Bitmain Technologies is considering another expansion - this time in Canada’s Quebec province.

According to a report by Reuters, Bitmain is looking at potential mining sites in Quebec and has already begun discussions with power authorities.

The new plan appears to be an addiction to Bitmain's current mining facilities overseas. The company also recently announced it was expanding to Switzerland, having already registered a new branch near the European nation’s “Crypto Valley.” At the time, Bitmain announced Switzerland would “play a key role” in its global expansion plans.

In a response to CoinDesk, Bitmain also said its mining operation in the North America region has been on since 2015 but did not reveal exact locations.

While there's no clear indication that the two events are related, Bitmain's new plan came at a time when China, the current hub of bitcoin mining with more than 70% of the network’s computing power calling it home, has recently indicated it might curb tax and power benefits miners currently enjoy.

As reported by CoinDesk previously, Quebec has become an attractive location for new bitcoin mining facilities. The region has excessive cheap hydropower to offer tech companies, including bitcoin miners. In addition, the country’s colder environment is conducive to longer lives for the ASIC machines which companies use to mine bitcoin.

Quebec hydro dam image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.