Bitmain, a Chinese bitcoin mining giant that currently dominates the ASIC chip production industry, may be setting up new operations in the US. According to available data that links the company’s co-founder to a new company, which is said to be negotiating a land-use agreement in America.
According to the Union Bulletin, a company called Ant Creek is trying to build mining facilities in the state of Washington as it is currently negotiating a land-use agreement with Port of Walla Walla, a city in the state. Under the terms of the agreement, Ant Creek would lease the land from early 2019, and would have the option to buy up to 40 acres.
The project, according to Port officials, can bring the city between $7 and $10 million in private investments, and create between 15 and 20 new jobs related to the bitcoin mining operation. Port Executive Director Patrick Reay was quoted as saying that his agency’s been working with Ant Creek for six months.
He noted that his purpose was to “generate assessed value and create jobs.” The Union Bulletin’s report adds:
“[Reay] said the lease — priced at $4,166.67 per month plus $535 in state leasehold tax — provides time for due diligence, including for Antcreek to work with Walla Walla County Community Development(…)”
Notably, the cryptocurrency community noticed that Ant Creek is seemingly owned by Bitmain co-founder Jihan Wu, who according to companies-number.com is listed as the company’s sole “governing person.”
Bitmain, who last year reportedly rivaled GPU maker Nvidia in profits, is among the Chinese cryptocurrency miners attempting to set up operations abroad, given the country’s crackdown on cryptocurrencies that even saw major Chinese websites remove cryptocurrency-related ads.
The Pacific Northwest, in which Port Walla Walla is located, is suitable for miners thanks to the availability of relatively inexpensive resources in the area. As recently covered Quebec, another attractive region, revealed it isn’t interested in accepting bitcoin mining operations without any “added value.”
At press time, Bitmain hasn’t commented on the rumors regarding its supposed involvement with Ant Creek.
