Introduction to Cryptomining
An organization called Artemis Technologies is planning to establish a Bitcoin Data Center, also referred to as a cryptomine, near Cave City. This has caused concern among the many local residents, who made their feelings clear at a public meeting held at Cave City’s highschool. The meeting turned tense, with locals expressing their opposition to the cryptomine.
Concerns About Noise and Power Usage
State Rep. Bart Schulz, who represents District 28, expressed concerns in regards to the potential noise levels and power usage of the cryptomine. "When cryptomines first began coming to Arkansas, it was the Wild West. And they were just constructing these big, air-cooled monsters that just gave the impression of a jet plane. We’ve worked hard within the legislature to stop that," he said. Schulz emphasized the importance of following rules and regulations to attenuate the impact of the cryptomine on the area people.
Company’s Response to Concerns
Watt Stephens, the chief industrial officer of Artemis Technologies, acknowledged the concerns of the local residents and expressed his company’s commitment to being a responsible member of the community. "We understand everyone’s concerns and questions, and we just want to indicate people we care. We don’t necessarily have to return out here and do that, but we would like to—we would like to indicate people we’re real and we care about their communities," he said.
Relationship with the Arkansas Blockchain Council
Artemis Technologies has a detailed relationship with the Arkansas Blockchain Council, an association of Arkansas cryptominers that has proven to be transparent and reputable. Benjamin Smith, the president of the Arkansas Blockchain Council, was present on the meeting and tried to handle the concerns of the local residents. "The Blockchain Council’s just here to teach and sort of forged away those shadows of our industry and hopefully have people hearken to us and be open-minded," he said.
Details of the Proposed Cryptomine
The proposed cryptomine can be an indoor, air-cooled facility with extra sound mitigation measures. However, the corporate refused to reveal how much power the cryptomine would require, which was a priority for a number of the local residents. Sharp County Judge Mark Counts made it clear that he doesn’t want any cryptomines in his jurisdiction, saying "I told them that I didn’t want cryptomining in Sharp County, never did want cryptomining and never will want it."
Community Reaction
The local residents were clear of their opposition to the cryptomine, with one man saying "Just go away and do not come here’s what we’re attempting to say." Another resident received applause from the group when he said "We don’t need you." The message from the community was loud and clear: they don’t want a cryptomine of their area.
Conclusion
The proposal to establish a cryptomine near Cave City has caused controversy among the many local residents. While Artemis Technologies has tried to handle the concerns of the community, the opposition to the project stays strong. The company’s commitment to being a responsible member of the community and its relationship with the Arkansas Blockchain Council may help to alleviate a number of the concerns, but it surely stays to be seen whether the project will ultimately go ahead. As the situation continues to unfold, it is evident that the community shall be watching closely to make sure that their concerns are heard and addressed.
