Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Up 15%, Major Market Readjustment Underway Following $6,500 Decline

The Bitcoin market is at a major turning point. According to Odaily Planet Daily, mining difficulty has increased sharply by 15%, reaching 144.4T, the largest adjustment since 2021. This comes after Bitcoin’s price plummeted from an all-time high of $126,500 to $60,000, then recovered to around $70,000, causing dramatic price fluctuations. The mining industry is being forced to fundamentally reassess its profitability in this process.

Relationship Between Rising Mining Difficulty and Market Hash Rate

Just before the difficulty adjustment, the difficulty had decreased by 12%. The subsequent 15% increase indicates that the Bitcoin network’s hash rate has rapidly recovered from a low of 826 EH/s to nearly 1 ZH/s. This recovery signifies the introduction of new mining equipment and increased miner participation, highlighting a rapid intensification of competition within the network.

However, despite the hash rate recovery, miners’ operational environments are becoming more challenging. The hash price, which indicates daily revenue per unit of hash rate, is now around $23.9/PH/s—its lowest level in recent years—continuing to pressure the overall profitability of the mining industry.

Impact of Bitcoin Price Stabilizing in the $60,000s

The recovery of Bitcoin’s price from $60,000 to around $70,000 appears positive at first glance. However, for miners who experienced a significant drop to $6,500, the current price level still makes profitability difficult. Despite the price rebound, the hash price remains at its lowest point, indicating an oversupply in the market and excessive competition among miners.

Major Mining Companies Shifting Strategies Toward AI Industry

Amid these changes, publicly traded mining companies are making significant strategic shifts. Bitfarms (BITF) recently rebranded and announced a focus on AI infrastructure business. Meanwhile, activist investor Starboard is strongly urging Riot Platforms (RIOT) to expand its AI data center operations.

These developments suggest that the traditional Bitcoin mining business model, centered solely on mining, is increasingly questioned in terms of sustainability in the short to medium term. Miners are being pushed to transform from mere mining operators into more diversified digital infrastructure providers.

The rise in mining difficulty and Bitcoin price movements in the $60,000 range symbolize a new phase of industry restructuring and corporate strategic overhaul.