Mountain City advances proposed rezoning for bitcoin mine

The Mountain City city council approved on first reading a proposed rezoning that could allow a Bitcoin mining facility to come to town. The proposed rezoning was approved in a 3-1 vote that could pave the way for Nevada-based company CleanSpark to bring a 30-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility to a 50-acre site along Highway 421 and Rainbow Road. The potential for a Bitcoin mining facility has sparked public outcry as town leaders have made assurances to residents that the mine would not create noise pollution and would economically benefit the town but many are still not convinced. Just before the meeting, the mayor announced that Alderman Jason Bryan had resigned effective immediately, just days after he announced that he had accepted a job with CleanSpark. The vote was the beginning of the rezoning process and will not immediately pave the way for a Bitcoin mine to be established. The rezoning request will have to pass on second reading. Signs will go up near the property notifying of the proposed rezoning ahead of a public hearing.