**CleanSpark Expands Bitcoin Mining Operations in Tennessee**
CleanSpark, a U.S.-based Bitcoin miner, has announced the purchase of seven new cryptocurrency mining facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee. This $27.5 million cash deal, expected to close by September 25, will boost CleanSpark's hashrate by 22%.
- **Facility Details**: The new sites range from 10 to 20 megawatts (MW) each, totaling 85 MW. Once equipped with Bitmain S21 ASIC miners, they will provide an additional 5 exahashes per second (EH/s).
- **CEO's Statement**: Zach Bradford, CleanSpark's CEO, highlighted the strategic timing of the ASIC purchase to secure low prices, aiming for 37 EH/s by the end of 2024.
- **Community Impact**: While CleanSpark touts benefits to local power grids and communities, Exponential Digital’s previous operations faced criticism over noise and tax contributions.
In related news, CleanSpark recently acquired GRIID Infrastructure’s Tennessee facilities in a $155 million stock deal and expanded its Georgia operations, adding significant capacity. The company mined 478 Bitcoin in August, maintaining a strong market position.