Unapproved bitcoin mining plant forced to shut down

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Source: Link Global Technologies / Twitter

Noise complaints from residents of an affluent real estate community in the Canadian province of Alberta led to a months-long investigation that uncovered a Bitcoin (BTC) mining operation that had been set up without approval – and should now close.

Vancouver-based Link Global is the name of the company that established the transaction, CBC reported. The Alberta Utilities Board ordered her to shut down two factories until she presents proof that they are licensed to operate, that is, until they have proven that they have been approved under the Alberta Environmental Protection Act or that confirmation is not required.

However, Link Global argued that it would cost locals their jobs and put the oil and gas infrastructure in which it operates back to sleep.

The investigation that led to the discovery of the mining farm began with complaints from insomniac residents of a small neighborhood less than a mile away. These people said they were not consulted before the installation was put in place.

Besides the neighbors, the county or the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) were also not informed – therefore, the latter could not have given its approval, nor to ensure that the company met the relevant conditions. , such as producing electricity only for own use and proving that the plant does not have harmful effects on people or the environment.

At that time, the plant was operating at full capacity, with work starting in August 2020. Link Global had installed four 1.25 MW gas generators at the site, according to the article, drawing power from the site. a dormant natural gas well. owned by MAGA Energy of Calgary.

In June of this year, the company finally admitted that it had not informed or consulted with local stakeholders, saying it was “not aware of legal and regulatory requirements.”

Alberta has nearly 200,000 inactive or abandoned oil and gas wells, often because they are no longer economically viable, and despite environmental concerns raised by Bitcoin mining, Stephen Jenkins, CEO of Link Global , said the operation may offer an environmental benefit as it is “use of underused or unused energy” and “re-equipment and reallocation of existing infrastructure”.

The company said that for every 10 MW of power, it can generate around 1.2 BTC per day. But if he can’t find a solution with the AUC, Jenkins said he would move the operation to another site in Alberta, Saskatchewan or British Columbia.

The shutdown order has come, however, and the company will also have to pay a fine of CAD 50,000-75,000 ($ 39,600-59,500), reduced by up to 50% because Link Global admitted to breaking the rules.

The company plans to submit documentation proving that its plant in Kirkwall, Alta., Meets provincial emission requirements to continue operating.

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