August 15, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
A seismic shift in the Bitcoin mining industry may be on the horizon, and it comes with a bold claim: the United States, led by Jack Dorsey’s Block, is poised to outpace China in mining technology. In a move that could redefine mining competition, Block is ready to launch its cutting-edge Proto mining chips, staking America’s claim over a domain long dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
Block’s Proto unit is set to unveil a new suite of 3-nanometer Bitcoin mining ASICs on August 14, a significant technical leap over the 5 to 6 nanometer chips currently supplied by Chinese giants like Bitmain, MicroBT, and Canaan. While the U.S. now leads in overall Bitcoin network hash rate, the production of mining equipment has remained largely in China’s hands until now.
Block’s Chief Financial Officer, Amrita Ahuja, confirmed the launch during a CNBC interview, and Dorsey had hinted at the development via social media, signaling a bold push to bring mining chip manufacturing back to American soil. Notably, the chips are being designed with open-source principles, enabling other developers to review, adapt, and improve the hardware. This transparency-first model contrasts with China’s tightly controlled chip ecosystem.
One of the first major adopters of Proto chips is Core Scientific, which has already committed to purchasing 15 exahashes per second of computing power. This could boost its mining capacity by over 60 percent.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over reliance on Chinese-made mining equipment, especially with rising geopolitical tensions and trade-related challenges. Block’s shift toward U.S.-based development represents a strategic pivot to insulate the industry from external policy risks.
Block, Inc., the fintech company led by Jack Dorsey, is not just rolling out mining hardware. The firm has been steadily broadening its role in the Bitcoin ecosystem, from self-custody wallets like Bitkey to Point-of-Sale integration and support for open-source Bitcoin projects through its Spiral initiative.
If Proto succeeds, it could mark a pivotal moment for global mining dynamics. This shift would not only diversify where equipment is made but also foster innovation through an open, decentralised approach. As Block sets the stage for competition with Chinese juggernauts, the launch of Proto could accelerate efficiency, lower costs, and reshape how miners worldwide source their hardware.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
