Controversial Bitcoin mine to close

In a called meeting Monday, a controversial Bitcoin mine in Limestone must shut down by March 2026 after Washington County commissioners approved a proposed lawsuit settlement. The Red Dog facility would close down even earlier if the company finds another location and starts operation there. No zoning districts currently allow cryptocurrency mining, so any local relocation would likely have to be in either Johnson City or Jonesborough. The settlement also levies monetary fines against Red Dog and BrightRidge, the local utility that leases land and sells power to Red Dog. The settlement is approved by BrightRidge and Red Dog’s leadership, and will now to go Washington County Chancery Court Judge John Rambo for approval.