Provincial government in Pakistan plans hydro-powered crypto mining pilot program: report

Reuters reported Thursday that the government in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is planning to build two cryptocurrency mines as part of a pilot program.

The pilot mines will draw their power from hydroelectric energy sources, according to the report. According to Reuters, the ultimate cost of the initiative is not yet known.

“People have already been approaching us for investment, and we want them to come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, earn some money and have the province earn from that as well,” Zia Ullah Bangash, who advises the provincial government, told Reuters.

The advisor later said: "We are hoping to bring this to a government level so things can be controlled and online fraud or other scams can be prevented."