Bitcoin mining is languishing at a two-year low, forcing miners to rethink their strategies as a divide emerges. With Bitcoin's "hashprice" plummeting and on-chain fees at a nadir, traditional miners face harsh conditions, barely scraping by. Meanwhile, some savvy players are redefining themselves, capitalizing on the AI surge to pivot toward new revenue streams. A game-changing deal this week saw Iris Energy striking gold with Microsoft in a move that's reshaping the industry's landscape. What are the other potential escape routes for miners caught in Bitcoin's tight grip...?
Bitcoin mining profitability sinks to 2-year low as miners split
AI boom reshapes Bitcoin mining as difficulty surges blur lines between data center operators and pure miners.
3 min read
Updated: Nov. 6, 2025 at 11:21 am UTC
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Bitcoin, a decentralized currency that defies the sway of central banks or administrators, transacts electronically, circumventing intermediaries via a peer-to-peer network.
MARA
MARA, formerly known as Marathon Digital Holdings, is reshaping the future of Bitcoin mining with a bold new vision that prioritizes decentralization, transparency, and energy efficiency.
Iris Energy
Iris Energy is a sustainable Bitcoin miner that owns and operates real assets, including data centre infrastructure, powered by renewable energy.
Core Scientific
Core Scientific is a leader in infrastructure and software solutions for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.
Riot Platforms
Riot Platforms is a bitcoin mining company, supporting the Bitcoin blockchain through rapidly expanding industrial-scale mining focused in the United States.
CleanSpark
CleanSpark (NASDAQ: CLSK) is a sustainable bitcoin mining and energy technology company that is incorporated in Nevada.
Microsoft
Microsoft is an American multinational technology company that develops, licenses, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, and personal computers.
