In the first quarter of 2019, theCangoOne of the world’s leading Bitcoin mining companies (BTC) has announced record losses.$285 million, an operational value that reflects not only the volatility of the cryptocurrency market, but also the challenges faced by the industry.$4.50 to $0.68A fall of more than84% in just 6 monthsThe announcement, made by Cango himself, highlights theIncreased mining costs– as power and hardware – and oneThe internal restructuringIt can redefine the future of the company and the industry.
Mining Costs Press Bitcoin Companies
Bitcoin mining has never been a cheap activity, but by 2025, operating costs have reached critical levels. According to Cango reports, the rise in electricity prices — driven by global factors such as geopolitical conflicts and climate crises — and the rise in energy prices.The price of ASIC equipment(used for mining BTC) drastically reduced the profit margin of the companies. In the case of Cango, the production costs exceeded the revenue generated by the sale of Bitcoin, resulting in the billionaire loss.
Experts have noted that in the last two years, aThe complexity of the Bitcoin network— which automatically adjusts the difficulty of mining every 2,016 blocks — increased considerably. This means that even with the price of Bitcoin remaining stable on about$60 thousandby December 2025, mining has become less profitable for companies that do not have access to cheap energy or government subsidies. Cango, which operates in regions with high energy costs, was affected.
Restructuring and uncertainty in the mining sector
Cango is not the only company in the industry to face difficulties.In Brazil, for example, several miners have migrated to states with cheaper energy, such as Pará and Paraná, where the average tariff isR$0.15 per kWhValues above$0.40 in states such as Sao PauloAccording to aNational Energy Agency (Aneel), the average cost of energy in Brazil in 2025 was aroundR$0.32 per kWhMore than the global average of$0.07 per kWhcountries such as the United States (Texas) and Kazakhstan.
In view of this scenario, Cango announced a restructuring plan that includes theSale of non-essential assets, the renegotiation of debt and the reduction of its mining capacity.The company also studies the possibility ofMove your operations to regions with cheaper energy, such as Latin America, where countries like Paraguay offer energy tariffs close to$0.03 per kWhHowever, the transition will not be quick and may take months, or even years, to complete.
For the market, the situation of Cango is aBitcoin mining sector health thermometerCompanies with indebted structures or dependent on expensive energy are being pressured to adapt or run the risk of bankruptcy.CoinDeskMore than20% of companies listed on the stock exchangeIn the past 12 months, they have lost or devalued their shares by more than 50%.
What does this mean for Brazilian investors?
For Brazilian investors, the situation of Cango serves as aWarning about the Risks of Bitcoin MiningWhile Brazil has the potential to become a global mining hub — thanks to its renewable energy matrix and the abundance of water (which fuels hydroelectric power plants) — the lack of energy in the country has been increasing.Clear public policiesBureaucracy is a significant barrier.
In addition, the decline in Cango’s shares reinforces the importance ofDiversification of investmentsMany Americans Invest in BitcoinETFs, funds or brokers, but direct mining requires deeper technical and financial knowledge. Experts recommend that those wishing to enter the sector do a thorough cost analysis — including energy, hardware and maintenance — before investing.
Another point of attention is theRegulation ofBrazil does not yet have a specific legislation for cryptocurrency mining, which leaves the sector in a legal limbo.The Federal RecipeIt has already signaled that it should regulate the activity by 2026, which could bring more legal certainty for investors.
Lessons for the Future of Bitcoin Mining
The situation of Cango should not be seen only as a point problem, but as part of aIncreased transformation in the sectorwith aHalving of BitcoinThe latest halving in 2020 reduced the reward from 12.5 BTC to 6.25 BTC per block, which has already led some miners to close their doors.
To survive, companies will need to innovate. Some strategies include:
- Use of renewable energy:Mining with solar, wind or hydropower can reduce costs in the long run.
- Partnerships with governments:Countries like El Salvador and Paraguay already offer tax incentives to miners who settle in their regions.
- Mergers and Acquisitions:Smaller companies can unite to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
In Brazil, the potential is great, but the path will not be easy.Brazilian Association of Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain (Abcripto)The state is now responding to5% of Bitcoin’s global hashrateTo become a global player, however, it will be necessary to invest in infrastructure and create a favorable regulatory environment.
Conclusion: Bitcoin mining in Brazil still has potential, but requires caution
The fall of Cango is a reminder that despite the optimism around Bitcoin, mining remains a high-risk activity.Energy costs, regulation and technological innovationFor investors, the lesson is clear: diversifying is key, and getting into mining requires planning and research.
Meanwhile, the Bitcoin market remains resilient. Even with the challenges of Cango, the price of the cryptocurrency remains above$60 thousand, and institutional adoption continues to grow. By 2026, experts expect aConsolidation of the sector, with the most efficient miners surviving and the least prepared being absorbed or closing the doors.
For those interested in Bitcoin, the tip is to closely follow the industry news and, above all,Investing Responsibly.