比特币挖矿为农村社区带来隐性赋能

威尔·福克斯利 (Will Foxley) 的一部新纪录片《The Big Empty》探讨了比特币挖矿对德克萨斯州斯普尔 (Spur) 的多方面影响，这座小镇因该行业的存在而焕发了活力。尽管存在对能源消耗的担忧，但影片强调了比特币矿工的积极贡献，例如创造就业机会、基础设施升级和社区参与。 Galaxy Digital 对支持 Spur 的承诺，包括重新开放城镇泳池，表明了比特币挖矿在改善当地福祉以及促进技术与小镇生活之间互利关系的潜力。

The Hidden Impact of Crypto: Unveiling the Transformational Power of Bitcoin Mining in Rural Communities

加密货币的隐藏影响：揭示农村社区比特币挖矿的变革力量

In the digital realm, where the ethereal nature of cryptocurrencies often overshadows their tangible impact, a new documentary sheds light on the transformative role Bitcoin mining is playing in the lives of rural communities. "The Big Empty," directed by ex-CoinDesker turned independent crypto media mogul Will Foxley, chronicles the arrival of digital asset heavyweight Galaxy Digital in the small, desolate city of Spur, Texas, revealing an unexpected story of revitalization and community empowerment.

在数字领域，加密货币的虚无缥缈的本质常常掩盖了其有形的影响，一部新的纪录片揭示了比特币挖矿在农村社区生活中发挥的变革作用。 《The Big Empty》由前 CoinDesker 转型为独立加密媒体大亨 Will Foxley 执导，记录了数字资产重量级 Galaxy Digital 来到德克萨斯州斯普尔这座荒凉小城的故事，揭示了一个关于复兴和社区赋权的意想不到的故事。

Far removed from the intense energy consumption debate that typically dominates discussions about Bitcoin mining, "The Big Empty" places human experiences at its core. It delves into the lives of former East Coast Galaxy employees who uprooted their existence to embrace a new chapter in West Texas, the struggles and resilience of local families deeply rooted in the region, and the transformative impact of a burgeoning industry on the lives of ordinary people.

远离通常主导比特币挖矿讨论的激烈能源消耗争论，“The Big Empty”将人类体验置于其核心。它深入探讨了前东海岸银河员工的生活，他们背井离乡，在西德克萨斯州开启了新的篇章，深入扎根于该地区的当地家庭的挣扎和恢复力，以及新兴行业对普通人生活的变革性影响人们。

The documentary highlights the inherent tension embedded in Bitcoin's design, where its proof-of-work algorithm fuels an unyielding energy consumption without limits. Yet, on the ground, this debate seems muted. The looming threat of climate change and the miners' energy mix appear as distant concerns as Bitcoin itself. In Spur, residents' concerns primarily revolve around the job opportunities provided by the giant Helios mine operating a few miles away.

这部纪录片强调了比特币设计中固有的张力，其工作量证明算法无限制地推动了能源消耗。然而，从实际情况看，这场争论似乎平淡无奇。迫在眉睫的气候变化威胁和矿工的能源结构似乎与比特币本身一样遥远。在斯普尔，居民的担忧主要围绕几英里外运营的巨型赫利俄斯矿提供的就业机会。

"The small towns [bitcoin mines] inhabit often don't have many high paying or stable jobs," Foxley observed in an interview with CoinDesk. "There may be a few retail shops, convenience stores, things like that, but it's not a lot."

“比特币矿场所在的小镇通常没有很多高薪或稳定的工作，”福克斯利在接受 CoinDesk 采访时说道。 “可能会有一些零售店、便利店之类的，但不是很多。”

While it would be an exaggeration to attribute the revitalization of Spur solely to Galaxy's presence, its impact is undeniable. The documentary showcases Galaxy's efforts to make a positive contribution, such as reopening a beloved public pool. However, it also emphasizes the ongoing challenge of maintaining these efforts and the importance of fostering harmonious relationships with the community.

虽然将热刺的复兴仅仅归功于银河的存在有些夸张，但其影响是不可否认的。这部纪录片展示了银河公司做出积极贡献的努力，例如重新开放深受喜爱的公共游泳池。然而，它也强调了维持这些努力所面临的持续挑战以及促进与社区和谐关系的重要性。

Speaking about his latest documentary, Foxley explains, "It was definitely a very strong team, so I can't take all the credit. This would be my third mining specific film and fourth bitcoin doc. It's my longest by far — I personally call it my first short film. I don't know the difference between a short film or a documentary or mini doc. I'll probably submit it to some film festivals to try to get some more traction. Will definitely screen it at some bitcoin meetups and events."

谈到他的最新纪录片，福克斯利解释道，“这绝对是一个非常强大的团队，所以我不能把所有的功劳都归功于我。这将是我的第三部采矿特定电影和第四部比特币文档。这是迄今为止我最长的纪录片——我个人称之为这是我的第一部短片。我不知道短片、纪录片或迷你文档之间的区别。我可能会将其提交给一些电影节，以尝试获得更多关注。肯定会在一些比特币聚会上放映它和事件。”

Foxley witnessed firsthand the revitalizing effects of Bitcoin mining during his travels across the country. He observed, "Bitcoin miners are flocking to small towns because that's often where there's excess energy from industries that have left or cheaper power from overbuilt substations and power stations. It's a natural place for bitcoin miners to go because they have to chase cheap energy."

福克斯利在全国旅行期间亲眼目睹了比特币挖矿的振兴效应。他观察到，“比特币矿工涌向小镇，因为那里往往有来自工业剩余的过剩能源，或者来自过度建设的变电站和发电厂的廉价电力。这是比特币矿工自然而然的去处，因为他们必须追逐廉价能源。 ”

"The small towns they inhabit often don't have many high paying or stable jobs. They don't have any sort of industry at this point. There may be a few retail shops, convenience stores, things like that, but it's not a lot. To really revitalize a town you need some sort of industry," Foxley added.

“他们居住的小镇通常没有很多高薪或稳定的工作。他们目前没有任何工业。可能有一些零售店、便利店之类的东西，但这不是一个“很多。要真正振兴一个城镇，你需要某种工业，”福克斯利补充道。

Bitcoin mining presents a unique opportunity for rural communities. While the mines themselves may not generate a significant number of jobs, they stimulate a range of ancillary industries. The documentary highlights the numerous individuals employed in contracting, construction, transportation, security, and other related fields. Even the planned opening of a kitchen to feed the mine's 40 workers will create new employment opportunities.

比特币挖矿为农村社区提供了独特的机会。虽然矿山本身可能不会创造大量就业机会，但它们刺激了一系列辅助产业。这部纪录片重点介绍了承包、建筑、运输、安全和其他相关领域的众多人员。甚至计划开设一个厨房来为矿场 40 名工人提供食物，这也将创造新的就业机会。

Foxley estimates that technicians in the Bitcoin mining industry typically earn double the minimum wage, with salaries ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, scaling up based on experience and responsibilities. Notably, Galaxy pays 20% above the local wage, further elevating the standard of living for many residents.

Foxley 估计，比特币挖矿行业的技术人员的收入通常是最低工资的两倍，工资在每小时 20 美元到 30 美元之间，根据经验和职责而增加。值得注意的是，银河支付的工资比当地工资高出20%，进一步提高了许多居民的生活水平。

Foxley's decision to focus on Galaxy and Spur was influenced by the company's willingness to open its doors and the town's receptiveness to a documentary crew. He was particularly drawn to the unique story of small-town integration and the participation of residents in the life of the mine.

福克斯利决定将重点放在银河和马刺上，是受到该公司敞开大门的意愿以及该镇对纪录片摄制组的接受程度的影响。他对小镇融合和居民参与矿井生活的独特故事特别感兴趣。

"The second thing — there's a lot of these Texas bitcoin mining stories that I’m not very interested in because people tend to focus on the energy or bitcoin side of things. I was really interested in the small town story, and participating in town life. Most people we talked to were immediately open to having a conversation or dialogue, which made it more attractive when we scoped it out last year,"

“第二件事 - 有很多德克萨斯州的比特币挖矿故事我不太感兴趣，因为人们倾向于关注事物的能源或比特币方面。我对小镇故事以及参与城镇非常感兴趣“生活。与我们交谈过的大多数人都立即愿意进行对话或对话，这使得当我们去年进行调查时变得更有吸引力，”