Norwegian Bitcoin Mining Firm Hit with Bomb Threat Risks Being Shut Down
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Barely a week after receiving bomb threats, Kryptovault now has to contend with another threat — forced closure by local authorities.
According to the Norwegian edition of The Local, one of the bitcoin mining facilities that Kryptovault runs in Norway is at risk of being shut down by the local municipality following noise pollution complaints from residents. The residents say that the huge fans that are required to cool down 9,500 mining rigs at Kryptovault’s facility in Hønefoss generate too much noise and have become a nuisance.
Summer of Noise and Heat
As a result of the relentless noise, some of those living in the neighborhood have had to avoid sleeping in bedrooms which are located near the facility. Others have resorted to keeping their windows shut in the hot summer months.
“The sound of the factory comes 24 hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. Our summer has been ruined,” a resident named Trond Gulestø told Dagens Næringsliv.
Besides the noise complaints, local media reports also indicate that the bitcoin mining facility has been running illegal operations and does not possess the requisite permissions.
“Arne Hellum, who handles construction cases for the nearby Ringerike municipality said that the local government might now order Kryptovault to temporarily shut down in Hønefoss until it receives the required permits,” The Local reported.
Compliance Efforts
The CEO of Kyprovault, Stig Myrseth, has, however, pointed out that before it started operations, the firm had been informed that it had all the necessary licenses. Myrseth also added that the company had filed applications for the permits it does not already have.
Additionally, Kryptovault is acquiring noise-reduction equipment with a view of cutting the noise-pollution levels from the current 60 decibels to under 45 decibels. The Hønefoss bitcoin mining facility occupies hosting space of approximately 4,200 square meters and uses 40MW of power.
Bomb Threat
As CCN.com reported last week, Kryptovault received a bomb threat in connection with those noise complaints, forcing the bitcoin mining firm to take precautions at its various facilities including Hønefoss, Follum, and Dale. The bomb threat was not directed at any particular facility.
“This is sabotage. If you are expanding crypto mining and filling the country with noise, then you will be sabotaging the peace. I am threatening to send you some explosives,” the threat read.
Besides informing the police, Kryptovault executives also warned employees to exercise extra vigilance, especially at the Dale facility, as it is considered more accessible compared to the Follum facility — which is located on a fenced-in property. At the time, Kryptovault acknowledged that it had experienced “some conflict” with those living near its facilities in Dale and Hønefoss.
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