Bhutan, a tiny sovereign kingdom, sandwiched between two Asian giants-China and India, is quietly stacking up Bitcoin- the digital gold, all due to its rivers. Sure, you heard that proper!
The distinctive topography of Bhutan permits the dominion to put strategically its Bitcoin mining facilities subsequent to hydroelectric energy crops that function on its 4 main rivers- Amo Chu, Wang Chu, Punat Sang Chu & Mangde Chu. In lower than 5 years, Bhutan has amassed over $1 Billion in Bitcoin, producing a spread of 55-75 BTC per week from its mining operations.
Apparently, all 4 main rivers of Bhutan merge into Brahmaputra river basin and enter India to type totally different rivers and its tributaries. However then what about India and why is she not using its pure sources to mine Bitcoins?
India, essentially the most populous nation on this planet, is various, vivid and large; not simply by its inhabitants but additionally when it comes to land space, topography and diversified languages, tradition in addition to religion. From the arid plains of Rajasthan to the hilly terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, India encompasses 3.28 million sq. kilometers and is blessed with 10 perennial rivers together with the holy Ganges and a flourishing ecosystem that has survived since historic instances.
Owing to its geographical location & perennially fierce rivers, India ranks fifth globally with regards to put in hydropower era. Identical to its Himalayan neighbor Bhutan, it too has the potential to mine bitcoins and grow to be a serious participant on this area of interest trade within the coming years.
However in contrast to it’s neighbor, India has a slightly “hush-hush” method in the direction of cryptocurrencies normally and subsequently area of interest sectors like bitcoin mining have remained largely uncared for. Whereas Bhutan possesses a considerable $1 Billion in bitcoin holdings, India’s cryptocurrency journey is hindered by excessive taxes and blanket bans.
On this article, we are going to dissect the Bitcoin mining operations of Bhutan, revisit its distinctive topography and perceive how India can even make the most of its rivers to mine the digital gold.
What’s Bitcoin Mining and why it’s a profitable enterprise?
Bitcoin mining is a course of in blockchain networks that helps within the affirmation and finalization of transactions. The miners use a specialised, high-powered laptop system to mine the cash. The primary work of crypto miners is to safe the community, confirm the transaction, & flow into new cash.
Being a distinct segment sector, Bitcoin mining is sort of a worthwhile enterprise because the collective market cap of the highest 5 non-public Bitcoin mining companies worldwide is a staggering $1377 billion. To call a couple of, MARA Holdings, Riot Blockchain & Core Scientific are US-based crypto mining corporations with annual turnovers of $338 billion, $376 billion, and $558 billion, respectively.
Why is Bitcoin Mining Costly?
Bitcoin/Crypto mining farms are giant industrial setups. They’re normally positioned in distant areas the place electrical energy setups are organized with high-speed web, environment friendly cooling programs, and air flow. It is because bitcoin mining generates computing energy equal to three.7 million supercomputers.
In accordance with specialists, the mining facility also needs to present safety from outside circumstances and have correct safety measures. It is for that reason, storage services and warehouses function mining farms due to the above-mentioned necessities.
Some main Bitcoin Mining Companies Round The Globe
There are a lot of different international locations which might be main within the Bitcoin mining endeavor. U.S. is on the forefront, boasting a formidable infrastructure and available capital, making it an exceptionally interesting vacation spot for institutional miners in search of worthwhile alternatives.
That’s why the highest 4 miners within the high 5 spots are taken by corporations primarily based within the USA. Let’s take a look on the high 5 Bitcoin mining corporations’ record.
MARA Holdings (Market Cap $410 Billion)
At first is MARA Holdings, a agency established in Florida, which is thought to be one of many largest bitcoin miners globally with a market cap of $410 billion. Additionally it is the second largest company holder of Bitcoin.
Riot Blockchain (Market Cap $398 Billion)
Holding shut is Riot Blockchain, the most important Bitcoin mining plant in North America when it comes to developed capability. The whole market cap of Riot Blockchain is $398 billion.
Core Scientific (Market Cap $239.53 Billion)
Then we’ve got Core Scientific, which has services in 7 US states. Core Scientific’s market capitalization was $239.53 billion in February 2025. Resulting from this, Core Scientific is now the 3702nd most dear agency on this planet.
Bitdeer (Market Cap $219.37 Billion)
The 4th spot is taken by Bitdeer Expertise Group, a Singapore-based firm. The market capitalization of Bitdeer Applied sciences Group was $219.37 billion in February 2025.
Clear Spark (Market Cap $217.41 Billion)
One other firm value mentioning is Clear Spark. It operates in Tennessee, Wyoming, Mississippi, and Georgia. The market capitalization of CleanSpark was $217.41 billion in February 2025.
How Geography Influences the Location Of Mining Setups?
Aside from sturdy infrastructure and capital, geography additionally performs a key position within the setup of mining services. Russia follows U.S. intently, due to its plentiful vitality sources. significantly in pure gasoline and hydropower. Notably within the area of Serbia, the chilly local weather results in diminished cooling prices.
However there are some main crypto mining farms unfold all through the globe. A few of that are:
- Dalian, China is a port metropolis in northern China that provides the most affordable energy provide.
- Reykjavik, Iceland is among the oldest mining farms is located right here owing to chilly climates.
- Washington, USA is a spot with favorable infrastructure and one of many most cost-effective energy provides.
- Linthal in Switzerland is a village the place cool local weather makes it favorable for bitcoin mining.
- Amsterdam in Netherlands is a metropolis gives low cost energy provide, and the cool local weather is an added level.
Bhutan’s journey in Bitcoin Mining
Bhutan began its journey in bitcoin mining in 2019, when it was valued at $5000 and was fueled by the Covid-19 disaster. It has plentiful rivers which might be fed by glaciers. The nation has 4 main rivers—Amo Chu, Wang Chu, Punat Sang Chu & Mangde Chu—and quite a few different rivulets, all of which drain into the Brahmaputra River Basin.
Bhutan’s put in hydropower capability stands at 1,615 megawatts as of 2016, out of an estimated hydropower potential of 30,000 megawatts, and Bhutan operates 4 main hydroelectric services: PunatSangchu, Kurichu, Mangdechu, and Tata Hydropower initiatives.
These present vital hydropower to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, making it an appropriate nation for organising Bitcoin mining farms. The 4 websites are located in Dochula Cross, on the banks of the Punat Sangchu river. The opposite two are in Trongsa and Dagana on the Mangde Chu and the Kuri Chu rivers, respectively. Essentially the most outstanding mining farm is maybe on the failed schooling metropolis mission on the Raidek River.
Additionally Learn: Crypto Investor Shares Rare Glimpse of Bitcoin Mining in Bhutan
Finest Websites In India for organising Bitcoin Farms
Primarily based on the topography of India and the placement of its 10 perennial rivers, we’ve got provide you with 5 finest cities in India to arrange Bitcoin mining facilities.
Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
This place, positioned on the foothills of the Shivaliks and banks of the Sutlej River, has the perfect terrains and would have a limiteless energy provide harnessed from the Bhakra-Nangal dam.
Korba, Chattisgarh
Korba, Chhattisgarh, is located within the industrial space of Korba. The dense forest cowl offers pure cowl, whereas the Korba Tremendous Thermal Plant and the Hasdeo River present energy.
Begusarai, Bihar
The monetary and industrial capital of Bihar on the banks of the Ganges could be an excellent location for bitcoin mining. The vitality wants could be fulfilled by the hydropower mission on the river Ganga.
Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Identical to Bhutan, Dibang Valley has a number of fierce rivers. The biggest hydropower dam in India can be being constructed right here, which can take care of the facility calls for of the mining facility.
Bijapur, Karnataka
This historic district of Karnataka has the potential to grow to be a bitcoin mining metropolis. The hydropower dam on the Krishna and Doni rivers can present ample energy.
How India Can Profit From Bitcoin Mining
The profitability of bitcoin mining in India will depend on a number of elements:
Electrical energy Prices
Crypto mining rigs devour a number of energy, and electrical energy costs in India could be excessive. This may considerably eat the earnings.
Mining Issue
Bitcoin has a really excessive mining problem, making it difficult to compete with large-scale mining operations.
{Hardware} Prices
Specialised mining {hardware} (ASICs) is pricey, and there’s a want for environment friendly cooling programs to handle the warmth they generate.
Nonetheless, utilizing hydropower for vitality wants and having clear analysis to mine bitcoin can be advantageous. Additionally, mining swimming pools to mix sources and improve possibilities of incomes rewards might help in maximizing earnings. One other essential factor to think about is tax implementation. Crypto mining earnings are topic to taxation in India, so it is very important issue this into calculations.
Ultimate Ideas
Identical to its neighbor kingdom Bhutan, India is blessed to have plentiful rivers with the potential to harness hydropower. By using this hydropower vitality, India has the potential to grow to be a serious participant within the Bitcoin mining neighborhood.
