Arkansas, Wyoming Crypto Mining Operations Impacted by New Laws and Executive Order

In the wake of legislation limiting Chinese ownership of cryptomining operations in Arkansas, President Biden has issued an executive order targeting an offshore firm with ties to Chinese nationals. The order follows increased scrutiny of Chinese-owned cryptomining operations in recent weeks and concerns over their potential impact on national security.

Cryptocurrency Mining Operations in Arkansas and Wyoming Affected by New Legislation and Presidential Order

Authorities at both the state and federal levels have recently taken action to address concerns regarding cryptocurrency mining operations owned by entities with ties to certain foreign countries.

Arkansas Legislation Targets Foreign-Owned Cryptomining

On February 15th, 2023, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law two bills (SB62 and SB19) restricting the ownership and operation of cryptocurrency mining facilities within the state. The new provisions prohibit individuals and entities from nations subject to the State Department's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), including China, Iran, Cuba, and others, from owning or controlling cryptomining operations in Arkansas.

This action follows a surge in Bitcoin mining operations in the state, with investigations revealing involvement by Chinese investors with potential links to the Chinese government. One former employee reported extensive operations spanning over 200 locations in multiple states.

The amendments to Arkansas' existing "Right to Mine" law, passed in 2022, aim to mitigate the negative impacts of the mining industry on local communities. Concerns raised by residents near mining facilities include excessive noise from ventilation systems, which has reportedly diminished quality of life and property values. The revised legislation requires facilities with foreign ownership subject to ITAR regulations to divest their holdings within one year, in addition to imposing noise restrictions on operations.

Biden Administration Targets Wyoming Cryptocurrency Mine

Separately, the Biden administration has issued an executive order targeting a Wyoming-based cryptocurrency mining operation owned by MineOne Partners Limited, a company registered in Delaware. A lawsuit filed by a Wyoming-based cryptocurrency firm revealed the involvement of Chinese nationals in the ownership of MineOne.

In 2022, Bit Origin Ltd., a former Chinese pork producer that transitioned to cryptocurrency mining, became a partner in a MineOne entity and established the mining facility, which became operational in early 2023. The involvement of Li Jiaming, the president of Bit Origin Ltd., has raised concerns due to the company's previous affiliation with the Chinese government.

Reached for comment, Mr. Li declined to provide immediate remarks. However, in a previous interview, he stated that the location for the mining operation was chosen based on a secure energy supply contract, rather than its proximity to military installations or data centers.

The actions by Arkansas and the Biden administration demonstrate a growing focus on the potential national security risks associated with cryptomining conducted by foreign entities, particularly those with ties to countries subject to ITAR regulations. As the cryptocurrency industry evolves, governments are seeking to balance the potential benefits of mining operations with concerns regarding national security, energy consumption, and environmental impact.