According to Bitcoin.com, CleanSpark, a cryptocurrency mining company based in Nevada, has received initial support from the local planning committee for its proposal of a Bitcoin mining data center in Mountain City, Tennessee. However, the proposal requires completion of detailed site planning and a final agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) before it can be fully approved. The company's Chief Operating Officer Scott Garrison stated that if approved, the 50.48 acre mining site is expected to be put into operation within two months, using low-noise ASIC mining equipment and avoiding air cooling. He emphasized that the equipment noise will be comparable to nearby road traffic in response to community noise concerns. CleanSpark operates 31 similar mines in the United States, and the project will initially provide 12 "high paying" positions that do not require education. Further expansion may occur due to the establishment of maintenance facilities.
The company takes the Georgia project as an example, claiming to help workers improve their living conditions. Rodney Metcalf, the General Manager of Mountain City Power, also expressed support for the project, believing that its massive energy demand would help offset the "significant" increase in electricity bills. Mayor Jerry Jordan described the proposal as "promising," but expressed dissatisfaction with its delayed planning. CleanSpark is waiting for TVA's mid month energy plan decision, and the planning committee will review the proposal on May 22nd.
