Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Declines Amid Record Sales by Miners
Bitcoin mining difficulty falls, but projected to rise in next adjustment
Cointelegraph
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Bitcoin mining difficulty decreased by approximately 1.1% to about 135.5 terahashes (T) as public mining companies sold over 32,000 BTC in the first quarter of 2026 to manage costs. However, the difficulty is projected to rise again in the next adjustment, expected on May 1, 2026.
- 01Bitcoin mining difficulty fell to 135.5 T, a 1.1% decrease.
- 02Public mining companies sold over 32,000 BTC in Q1 2026.
- 03The next difficulty adjustment is projected to increase to 137.43 T.
- 04Up to 20% of Bitcoin miners are currently unprofitable.
- 05The mining industry faces significant economic challenges.
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On Saturday, the Bitcoin (BTC) mining difficulty experienced a decrease of approximately 1.1%, dropping to about 135.5 terahashes (T). This decline comes as public mining companies, including MARA, CleanSpark, and Riot, sold a record 32,000 BTC in the first quarter of 2026 to cover rising operating costs. The next adjustment is set for May 1, 2026, when the difficulty is expected to increase to 137.43 T. The mining sector has been struggling due to reduced block rewards, escalating energy prices, and an ongoing bear market. Reports indicate that up to 20% of Bitcoin miners are currently unprofitable, marking the most challenging conditions since the April 2024 halving. The difficulties are compounded by a significant drop in Bitcoin prices, which fell from around $125,000 in October 2025 to approximately $86,000 by December 2025.
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The decline in mining difficulty and record sales by mining companies signify financial strain in the crypto mining industry, impacting miners' profitability and operational sustainability.
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