Argentine Presidential Candidate’s Bitcoin Mining Plan Ignites Controversy Around Vaca Muerta’s Resources

A proposal by Argentine presidential hopeful Sergio Massa to utilize excess natural gas from the Vaca Muerta oil fields for Bitcoin mining has stirred up a heated debate within the country’s cryptocurrency community.

Vaca Muerta, named “Dead Cow” in Spanish, earned its moniker in the 19th century due to the discovery of fossilized remains of megafauna, including giant ground sloths and glyptodonts. The area’s nickname became official after substantial petroleum reserves were uncovered in the Vaca Muerta shale rock in the late 20th century.

Computer scientist Santiago Siri presented the idea to Massa, suggesting the use of surplus gas from Vaca Muerta, a major shale oil and gas deposit in western Argentina, to power Bitcoin mining operations. Supporters argue that this approach would efficiently utilize excess gas that would otherwise be flared or vented.

However, the proposal faces skepticism from some Bitcoin miners and advocates. In an online forum hosted by the NGO Bitcoin Argentina, participants expressed concerns about the complexity and competitiveness of BTC mining, questioning the suitability of government involvement.

Despite the skepticism, there are proponents of the project. José María Sarasola, CEO of Cryptogranjas, a startup running a Bitcoin mining operation in Vaca Muerta, emphasized the necessary infrastructure, including reliable internet, efficient machines, and technical expertise. He explained that with lower Bitcoin prices, mining has become a high-cost activity with tight profit margins, making the use of excess gas a potentially viable solution.

Ricardo Mihura, President of Bitcoin Argentina, supports increasing Bitcoin’s hashrate and mining activity but believes that private companies are better suited to handle the investment risks. Rodolfo Andragnes, co-founder of Bitcoin Argentina, suggests that the government should focus on improving conditions for private mining ventures, such as lowering taxes and easing equipment import restrictions.

Critics emphasize that BTC mining demands expertise the government currently lacks, proposing private-public partnerships as an alternative model for state participation.

While the proposal indicates growing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin in Argentina, even the local crypto community acknowledges that the risks associated with state-sponsored Bitcoin mining currently outweigh the potential benefits. At present, the private sector appears to be better equipped to leverage the opportunities presented by Vaca Muerta’s natural gas reserves.