When China halted crypto mining operations in 2021, North America didn’t waste time stepping in. What started as a reactive migration has now evolved into a structural shift, positioning the United States and Canada as key players in the global mining landscape. With a blend of political stability, energy diversity, and technological infrastructure, the region has become a natural fit for crypto mining operations at scale.
Why North America?
North America has become one of the main hubs for Bitcoin mining, and it’s not hard to see why. The region checks a lot of boxes: reliable energy, a relatively stable policy environment, and solid access to financing. With a broad mix of energy sources—natural gas, hydro, nuclear, and a growing share of renewables like wind and solar—miners have the flexibility to manage costs and avoid the kind of price swings seen in less diversified markets.
It’s not just about energy, though. The infrastructure here is built to handle industrial-scale operations. Strong power grids, modern data centers, and a stable legal system have made it easier for mining companies to set up shop and plan for the long haul.
Access to capital has also played a big role. In the US, many mining companies have tapped into the financial markets to bulk-buy hardware at discounted rates and secure cheap electricity, sometimes even by partnering with or acquiring power providers directly.
From a policy standpoint, the US has kept the door open. While there were proposals like the Digital Asset Mining Energy (DAME) tax floated in 2023 and 2024, none of them made it into law. Political shifts have also shaped industry outlook, and recent developments have made miners more optimistic about the future.
Because residential electricity tends to be more expensive, most mining operations in this region run on a medium or large scale to maintain efficiency. Industrial electricity rates are much more favorable, especially in major US mining states like Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, and New York.
Currently, the U.S. is responsible for approximately 38% of the global Bitcoin hashrate, while Canada contributes an additional 7% to 8%. Altogether, North America contributes nearly 45% of the world’s total—a clear sign of just how central the region has become to the mining industry.
Friction Points
Still, the growth hasn’t come without tension. The core of the concern remains energy usage. Proof-of-Work mining is power-hungry, and community pushback in certain areas has centered around environmental impact, potential strain on local grids, and even noise pollution from cooling equipment. In some cases, this has led to delays in permits or restrictions on operations.
Regulatory uncertainty adds another layer of complexity. In the US alone, mining policy can differ dramatically by state—what’s welcome in Texas may face roadblocks in New York. That fragmentation forces miners to be agile, and it makes long-term planning more difficult.
There’s also the issue of hardware turnover. With constant upgrades needed to stay competitive, older machines quickly become obsolete, creating challenges around e-waste and sustainability. At the same time, the crypto market’s increasing correlation with traditional financial systems brings added exposure to broader economic cycles.
Clarity Around Pool Structures
As North America’s mining ecosystem matures, a clearer understanding of mining pool infrastructure has become increasingly important. One common point of confusion is the distinction between direct mining pools and proxy pools.
Some miners have assumed that ViaBTC, one of the world’s top three mining pools, operates like proxy pools. The reality is different. ViaBTC is built on a self-developed architecture, meaning it runs its own backend infrastructure rather than routing traffic through another pool. That distinction matters when it comes to stability, performance, and transparency.
One area that often raises questions is the fee structure. Fee models across pools aren’t uniform—they differ based on architecture, features, and service levels. Some platforms also adjust fees through volume-based discounts or temporary promotions, making direct comparisons more nuanced than they might initially appear.
Another point that occasionally comes up is the misconception that ViaBTC is financially backed by Bitmain. While the two entities collaborate within the mining ecosystem, ViaBTC operates independently in terms of ownership and technical development.
The Road Ahead
North America’s emergence as a mining hub is a product of both timing and infrastructure readiness. But staying at the forefront will require more than just cheap energy and political stability. Mining pools like ViaBTC bring both technical expertise and infrastructure reliability to play a role in supporting that growth. As the industry matures, a deeper understanding of the technology and the ecosystem as a whole will be just as important as the hardware that powers it.
Continued progress depends on addressing environmental concerns, improving regulatory clarity, and encouraging innovation that makes mining more sustainable and efficient. As the landscape continues to evolve, adaptability and understanding will be key drivers of success for everyone involved in the ecosystem.
Sources: https://www.blockchain.com/explorer/charts/pools
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61364
https://www.viabtc.com/blog/en/crypto-mining-landscape-global-policy-and-energy-390?category=0
https://www.viabtc.com/tools/miner
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