Riot Blockchain (RIOT), a bitcoin miner, is warning that bitcoin mining restrictions or outright bans by provincial governments in China may leave the industry unable to cope with a significant decline in mning power. In its latest 10-K, Riot Blockchain warned a recent ban could spread to other provinces in China:

“For example, on March 2, 2021, we became aware of the actions taken by the governmental authorities for the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia, which represents roughly 8% of the world’s total mining power, to outright ban bitcoin mining in the province...”

The ban is a result of the intense electrical power demands of bitcoin mining coupled with the environmntal impact of mining for the rare earth metals needed to power specialized mining computers:

“While we have yet to see whether these miners will be able to relocate to another location in China to continue mining, we cannot quantify the effects of this regulatory action on our industry as a whole.”

China accounts for between 65%-80% of the world’s bitcoin mining power though it’s illegal for Chinese citizens to transact in cryptocurrencies on the mainland. China has created its own digital currency— a first for a major economy— which may be why Riot Blockchain hints in its annual report at additional bitcoin restrictions in China:

“If further regulation follows, it is possible that our industry may not be able to cope with the sudden and extreme loss of mining power...If further extreme regulatory action is taken by governments in China or elsewhere, including the United States, our business may suffer and investors in our securities may lose part or all of their investment.”

Separately, Riot Blockchain disclosed it has hired an M&A advisory firm to advise it on strategic opportunities and to:

“...advise the Company on potential strategic transactions in bitcoin mining related operations. The Company does not have a defined timeline for any transaction and cannot provide any assurance whether or when a transaction may be announced or consummated.”