Dirty Coin: The Bitcoin Mining Documentary

Bitcoin miners use increasingly powerful, specially-designed computer equipment, or rigs, to verify bitcoin transactions in a process which produces newly minted bitcoins. The benefit of being this far north, according inside the dirty world of bitcoin mining to Bitcluster, is energy is cheap, around 0.03 cents per kilowatt hour since the city has its own power supply. It is also deathly cold, which cuts the cost of ventilating and cooling its mining kit as it heats up. Dirty Coin does not shy away from tackling much of the fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) frequently spread by legacy corporate media about Bitcoin. It reminds viewers that when those in control feel threatened, they resort to misinformation to maintain their grip.

Documentary director explains why mining is misunderstood—and how it helps energy grids and sustainability

It’s a story that goes beyond the headlines, questioning assumptions and highlighting Bitcoin’s potential role in a sustainable future. This process not only provides financial benefits but also strengthens local mini grids, enhancing energy stability and resilience. Printed on premium matte paper sourced from Japan, this piece is perfect for bitcoin mining enthusiasts and collectors. Streng says he believes mining can be used for energy innovations, since mining kit can easily be moved close to renewable plants. Genesis, for instance, has been working on a renewables project in Sweden that can recycle waste data centre energy to warm greenhouses for crops. This documentary is more than a film; it’s a catalyst for debate and exploration, encouraging a deeper investigation into the enigma of Bitcoin.

Dirty Coin: Bitcoin mining is not the villain—it’s the fix

Critics, such as Digiconomist founder Alex de Vries, claim Bitcoin mining is an unsustainable drain on resources. But Mediavilla’s research tells a different story—one where mining isn’t just a consumer of energy, but a stabilizer of it. Bitcoin mining not only faces a branding problem but is also at risk of being regulated out of existence.

inside the dirty world of bitcoin mining

Dirty Coin Featured on Bitcoin News 🎬🟠

Alana Mediavilla’s thoughtful approach and in-depth research make this film compelling for anyone interested in Bitcoin, environmental issues, or the intersection of technology and society. While it doesn’t shy away from the industry’s challenges, it also offers hope that with continued innovation, Bitcoin mining could help usher in a future of energy abundance for humanity. With stunning visuals and real-world stories, the film explores how mining is transforming industries and communities in unexpected ways.

Mediavilla also challenged the idea that Bitcoin’s energy use is wasteful, arguing that its value goes beyond speculation.
The documentary highlights how miners can earn money while simultaneously supplying heat, a critical utility in such environments.
By providing a consistent demand for electricity, mining operations can help make renewable energy projects financially viable in areas that would otherwise struggle to support them.
China-based Bitcoin miners control more than 60pc of all Bitcoin processing power, and coal accounts for half of Chinese energy consumption.
By highlighting these success stories, DC demonstrates that Bitcoin mining is not just about making money—it’s about leveraging technology to drive real-world change and improve lives.
The film doesn’t shy away from addressing controversies surrounding the perceived significant carbon footprint of Bitcoin mining.

Reducing waste, powering communities

Following the global success and acclaim of the short film and proof of concept STRANDED, the creators are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their full-length documentary, DIRTY COIN. Through eye-opening case studies and interviews with experts, the documentary highlights how Bitcoin mining is becoming a new, substantial customer of electricity. The documentary investigates how Bitcoin mining operations are increasingly being established in locations with excess energy or renewable energy sources yet to be fully utilized. These operations provide a new revenue stream for these regions, making new energy projects more viable and financially attractive.

By repurposing excess heat from mining, farmers can grow tulips, tomatoes, and cucumbers more sustainably. Mediavilla compared this to a bakery selling its unsold goods at the end of the day—a system where Bitcoin miners efficiently use surplus energy that would otherwise go to waste. Speaking on The Crypto Radio, Mediavilla discussed the shifting narratives around Bitcoin mining, why it has repeatedly been labeled as “dirty,” and why that narrative might be missing the bigger picture. While would require “broad consensus” from the network to change, “it is still, in the end, software”. In Iceland, meanwhile, Genesis Mining, led by chief executive Marco Streng, has been harnessing the northern nation’s geothermal energy to power its data centres.

It unfolds the environmental, technological, and societal aspects, prompting you to ponder and form your insights. The documentary does not shy away from pointing out that Bitcoin’s first major use case was being digital cash that allowed drugs and other illegal items to be sold on the Silk Road. Dirty Coin is a powerful documentary, especially for those who have not taken the time to study and see why much of the FUD around Bitcoin is false.

By highlighting Bitcoin’s potential to create infinite positive-sum games, the documentary starkly contrasts this with the rent-seeking behavior prevalent in the fiat system.
It delves into the ongoing tug-of-war between New York-based Bitcoin miner Greenidge Generation (GG) and Sierra Club-supported environmentalists who are trying to shut down the company’s Seneca Lake plant.
It reminds viewers that when those in control feel threatened, they resort to misinformation to maintain their grip.

This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of energy, finance, and societal progress without a corporate media spin on it. With global energy demand rising, Bitcoin miners may not just be fighting for their industry’s survival—they could be key players in building a more sustainable future. Dirty Coin challenges the widespread belief that Bitcoin mining is inherently harmful to the environment.

DIRTY COIN

Moreover, the constant demand for energy by Bitcoin miners provides a solution to the economic challenges posed by delays in setting up transmission lines for renewable energy projects. This ensures that investments in renewable energy remain viable and attractive, even amidst logistical challenges. In the cold climate of Finland, the heat generated by Bitcoin mining is ingeniously repurposed to provide essential heating solutions. The documentary highlights how miners can earn money while simultaneously supplying heat, a critical utility in such environments. “(Bitcoin mining) consumes the most amount of these green-labeled energy sources,” Mediavilla said, emphasizing the industry’s significant use of renewable energy, with some operations—like those in Paraguay—running almost entirely on hydropower. China-based Bitcoin miners control more than 60pc of all Bitcoin processing power, and coal accounts for half of Chinese energy consumption.

What Do Bitcoin Miners Expect Next?

For those concerned about climate change and sustainable energy solutions, this film offers a surprising perspective. Filmed over three years across four continents, Dirty Coin takes viewers deep into the real-world practice of Bitcoin mining. From rural Texas to the mountains of Malawi, the film explores a wide range of mining operations—some sustainable, some controversial—and the communities behind them. Through interviews with energy experts, miners, and local residents, it paints a nuanced picture of a rapidly evolving industry. Whether you’re new to Bitcoin or part of the movement, Dirty Coin offers a fresh perspective on how mining is impacting the world today.