Canaan Asks Chinese Authorities to Reconsider Clean Energy Bitcoin Mining Operations

By Bhushan Akolkar
$120 Billion Oil and Gas Giant ConocoPhillips Joins The Bitcoin Mining Fuel Business

China’s biggest mining rig manufacturer Canaan has appealed to Chinese authorities to reconsider its indiscriminate ban on crypto mining activities in the country. Last month, China’s State Council announced a ban on Bitcoin and crypto mining operations leading to a major downfall in the crypto market.

China has been one of the biggest destinations controlling 60% of the global crypto mining. Since crypto mining requires consumes massive electric power authorities have been cracking down on them. However, Canaan argues that businesses that use clean energy for crypto mining should be spared.

The Nasdaq-listed crypto mining equipment manufacturer argued that mining employees a large number of people contributing to China’s local economy. Canaan Inc CEO Zhang Nangeng expressed his views during the recent earnings call.

“For-profit miners prefer regions with low electricity prices that indicate oversupply, and likely energy waste. Bitcoin miners also help create jobs in impoverished regions and contribute to fiscal coffers,” he told Reuters.

Amid the China crackdown, miners from Inner Mongolia and Sichuan started selling their mining machines. As a result, crypto miners situated in this region have started facing the heat of the regulatory wrath.

Canaan’s Business Also Faces the Heat

Canaan CEO Zhang said that China’s policy uncertainty is causing major mining players to move to overseas locations like North America and Europe. As a result, some of Canaan’s clients have placed new orders for mining equipment on hold.

Besides, Zhang adds that owing to the crackdown, many miners have rushed to underselling their rigs thereby creating a knockdown effect on the pricing. To reduce this impact of the Chinese crackdown, Canaan is also accelerating its overseas expansion. The mining rig manufacturer is setting up its own offshore mining entity while securing long-term contracts.

Canaan recently reported $63 million in sales of its Bitcoin mining machines during Q1 2021, reporting a massive 500% surge in its business. The overseas market contributes ~80% of the company’s revenues. Canaan has also established its office in other Asian locations like Singapore and Kazakhstan.

“Just as it took a long time for bitcoin to be recognized by the market, there will also be a (long) process for bitcoin, and cryptomining, to be recognized by regulators” in China, Zhang said.

Advertisement
Bhushan Akolkar
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.