Bitcoin mining is more than just plugging in ASICs and hashing away—it’s a complex operation requiring expertise in procurement, logistics, and site deployment.

At the fifth Bitcoin Technical Mining Operations Meetup, hosted by Compass Mining, industry leaders gathered to discuss the intricacies of large-scale mining infrastructure. The evening featured discussions on sourcing ASICs, navigating tariffs, transportation and shipping challenges, and the strategic deployment of mining operations.

Key Speakers

The panel included some well-regarded industry professionals:

• Tatum Cave – A Compass Mining team member who has transitioned from traditional finance to Bitcoin mining, passionately helping others break into the industry. Tatum is the host of Between Two ASICs and has also taken the reins as the meetup MC.
• Vishnu Mackenchery – Director of Global Logistics and Services at Compass Mining. Vishnu has extensive experience handling the procurement and deployment of mining hardware and infrastructure.
• John Oates – Partner Solutions Executive at Silo, a freight brokerage specializing in the logistics of moving mining infrastructure. He has been working in logistics since 2016 and has built a niche in transporting Bitcoin mining-specific hardware.

Bitcoin Mining Job Postings

During the meetup, several Bitcoin mining job opportunities were shared, providing attendees with a chance to break into the mining industry. Some of the highlighted positions included:

• Riot Platforms (Rockdale, Texas) – Site Security Manager
• Marathon Digital Holdings (Hannibal, Ohio) – Site Manager
• Bitfarms (Sherbrooke, Quebec) – IT Field Technician

(Additional mining job postings were discussed; placeholders are included where more details need to be added.)

Procurement: Sourcing ASICs and Mining Infrastructure

Vishnu led the discussion on procurement, detailing how Compass sources ASICs. Vishnu discussed how factors such as target hash rate, power consumption, and budget constraints shape purchasing decisions. The panel discussed the importance of working with reputable distributors and brokers, emphasizing that most mining hardware is sourced from overseas. With tariffs and import duties playing a significant role, ASIC manufacturers have increasingly moved production out of China to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam to reduce costs.

Challenges in Procurement:

• Tariffs and duties on mining hardware and parts
• Securing high-quality ASICs directly from distributors while avoiding fraudulent resellers
• The unpredictable nature of lead times ( and supply chain disruptions

Logistics: Moving Heavy Mining Equipment Across the Globe

John Oates from Silo provided insights into the logistical hurdles of transporting mining containers, transformers, and other infrastructure. He explained how freight brokerage companies act as intermediaries between shippers and trucking companies, ensuring mining hardware reaches its destination securely and on time.

Key topics covered in the logistics segment:

• The risks of theft and fraud – With a rise in strategic thefts targeting high-value shipments, Bitcoin miners must implement strict security measures, such as serial number tracking, trailer seals, and verified shipping documentation.
• Transit times for overseas shipments – Expedited ocean freight can take around 30 days, while slower, cost-effective routes may take up to 60 days.
• Insurance complexities – Many freight insurance policies only cover up to $100,000, while a single mining container’s worth can be millions of dollars. Custom insurance solutions are required to mitigate risk.

Site Deployment: The Final Step in Bringing a Mining Operation Online

With procurement and logistics handled, deploying a site efficiently is the final challenge. Vishnu and the Compass Mining team shared their experiences in setting up new mining facilities.

Key Considerations for Site Deployment:

• Mining Container Procurement: Secure and prepare mobile data centers (MDCs) for ASICs.
• Transformers and Power Infrastructure: Procuring transformers and PDUs is essential for stable electricity distribution. Many mining companies now source transformers from GE in Mexico due to tariffs and lead times associated with Chinese imports.
• Staggered Power Ramping: When a new facility comes online, power is typically ramped up in stages (e.g., a 20MW site might ramp up over 15 days).
• Security and Compliance: Ensuring compliance with local energy regulations and securing approval from municipalities.

Audience Questions and Key Takeaways

The meetup featured an interactive Q&A session where the audience raised questions on American-made mining hardware, tariffs, and security risks in logistics. Vishnu addressed concerns about the challenges of producing mining hardware in the U.S., acknowledging that while companies like Block and Auradine are making efforts, China still dominates the ASIC manufacturing market.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the recent FCC import restrictions on mining hardware, which caused significant delays. Vishnu played a key role in working with officials to navigate the situation, and the first batch of detained units was recently released after months of advocacy.

Conclusion: Another Successful Meetup and What’s Next

The fourth Compass Mining Bitcoin Technical Meetup provided a valuable deep dive into the real-world complexities of Bitcoin mining operations. From sourcing mining hardware to securing efficient logistics and deployment strategies, attendees left with actionable insights from seasoned industry professionals. You can watch the entire meetup by clicking here.

For those eager to continue the conversation, the next Compass Mining Meetup is set for April 10. Join the Meetup page and if you’re in the Denver area – come to The Space! Otherwise you can follow The Space on X and watch the next meetup livestream. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions, job postings, and networking opportunities within the mining community. Until then, keep stacking sats and optimizing your mining setups!