PANews reported on April 27 that according to Bitcoin.com, the cryptocurrency mining enterprise CleanSpark's proposal for a Bitcoin mining data center in Mountain City, Tennessee, has received preliminary support from the local planning committee. However, it requires completion of detailed site planning and a final agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for full approval. The company's Chief Operating Officer, Scott Garrison, stated that if approved, the 50.48-acre mining site could be operational within two months, using low-noise ASIC mining equipment and avoiding air cooling. He emphasized that the equipment noise would be comparable to nearby highway traffic, addressing community noise concerns. CleanSpark operates 31 similar mining sites in the United States, and this project will initially provide 12 "high-paying" positions that do not require a degree, with potential further expansion due to maintenance facility establishment.
The company cited its Georgia project as an example of helping workers improve living conditions. Mountain City's Electric Manager, Rodney Metcalf, also supported the project, believing its massive energy demand would help offset "significant" electricity price increases. Mayor Jerry Jordan called the proposal "promising" but was dissatisfied with its planning delays. CleanSpark is awaiting the TVA's energy plan decision in mid-May, with the planning committee set to review the proposal on May 22.
