The inaugural Bitcoin Technical Mining Operations Meetup sponsored by Compass Mining took place on November 14th, 2024 in collaboration with The Space Denver and brought the Denver Bitcoin mining community together for an evening of technical exploration, networking, and knowledge-sharing. Held at Denver’s nonprofit Bitcoin hub, The Space, the event showcased local and national expertise in mining operations, as well as air filtration and power distribution optimization for Bitcoin mining farms. The event’s goal was clear: to foster a deeper understanding of Bitcoin mining’s intricacies and build a supportive and growing community. Watch the meetup recording here.
Speakers: Leaders in Mining Operations
The event’s main speakers were Shanon Squires, Keith Jordan, and Johnny Larson, each bringing unique expertise to the discussion:
- Shanon Squires, Chief Mining Officer at Compass Mining, is a Denver local with extensive hands-on experience in managing mining operations. From retrofitting massive facilities to understanding the challenges of air filtration, Shanon’s practical insights captivated the audience.
- Keith Jordan, President and Founder of Colorado Air Filter, has brought his expertise in HVAC and air filtration to the Bitcoin mining industry. His company specializes in designing sustainable filtration systems that optimize mining equipment performance while addressing environmental factors.
- Johnny Larson, a power distribution expert at Moonshot, shared his journey from working with major manufacturers like Schneider Electric to designing UL-listed electrical systems tailored for large-scale Bitcoin mining operations.
The event was emcee’d by Curtis Harris, Compass Mining’s Director of Marketing & Business Development.
Mining Job Opportunities Highlighted
The meetup began with announcements of key Bitcoin mining job opportunities:
- Strategic Coordinator at Synteq Digital, this role is fully remote.
- Miner Maintenance Technician at Riot, based in Rockdale, Texas.
- Technician Role at Bitfarms, based out of New York or Pennsylvania (hybrid).
Key Meetup Discussion Topics
The panel discussion covered three main topics: air filtration in mining facilities, the challenges of retrofitting old buildings, and the importance of proper power distribution in mining operations.
1. Air Filtration in Mining Facilities
Keith Jordan highlighted the importance of maintaining clean airflow in mining facilities. He detailed how poorly filtered air—laden with dust, metal shavings, or environmental debris—can damage mining hardware, leading to overheating and equipment failure.
Shanon shared horror stories of miners operating near industrial zones where air contamination caused frequent repairs. Both emphasized the importance of using appropriate filtration systems, like MERV 8-rated washable filters, to extend equipment lifespan and reduce operational costs.
2. Retrofitting Older Facilities
Shanon discussed the challenges of converting abandoned buildings into viable mining operations. While older structures often come with existing power infrastructure, they require extensive modifications for ventilation and airflow management. The process includes reinforcing walls, adding metal frames to hold filtration systems, and ensuring airflow optimization to separate hot and cold aisles within the facility.
3. Power Distribution for Mining Farms
Johnny Larson explained the critical role of power distribution in mining operations, particularly for high-density setups. He shared insights into Moonshot’s work on UL-listed electrical systems that prioritize safety and efficiency. From variable frequency drives (VFDs) to advanced control panels, Johnny illustrated how miners can monitor and optimize power usage to reduce downtime and protect equipment.
Audience Engagement and Q&A
The audience’s questions sparked lively discussions. One attendee inquired about the cost-benefit analysis of mining Bitcoin versus buying it outright. Shanon explained that mining, when run as a well-managed business, often provides better long-term returns despite the upfront costs.
Another key question focused on immersion cooling, an alternative to traditional airflow cooling. While the panel agreed that immersion is a promising technology, they emphasized its complexity and the need for further industry exploration.
Conclusion
The Compass Mining meetup successfully laid the foundation for a recurring event focused on technical deep dives into Bitcoin mining. The evening’s discussions highlighted the importance of air filtration, thoughtful facility retrofitting, and robust power distribution in optimizing mining operations. With a blend of expert insights, job opportunities, and community engagement, the event underscored Denver’s growing role as a national hub for Bitcoin innovation.
As the evening wrapped up, attendees left with new connections, practical knowledge, and a shared commitment to advancing Bitcoin mining. The next meetup promises to delve deeper into another crucial aspect of mining, ensuring continued growth for this vibrant community.
To keep updated on the next Bitcoin Technical Mining Operations Meetup in Denver, please click here.
