Arkansas town nixes crypto mine plans: ‘We’re not the Bitcoin mining state’

For Vilonia, a small town just north of Little Rock, a second crypto mine facility proposal ended the same way as the first — with a firm no.

The planning commission voted unanimously against a conditional use permit for the mine, backed by Interstate Holdings Blockchain and the Arkansas Blockchain Council, according to local news source THV11.

Concerns over noise, power usage, and internet strain dominated the discussion at a packed meeting earlier this week.

“Did we make a mistake moving here?” one resident asked. “We are Arkansas, the Natural State — not the Bitcoin mining state.”

While project supporters argued that the mine would have minimal impact and inject up to $14 million into the community, the commission opted to preserve the town’s quiet character.

It’s the second time in a year that a crypto mining facility proposal has been voted down in Vilonia.

And for the 19 crypto mines already operating in Arkansas — and dozens more across the US — things aren’t getting any easier.

President Donald Trump has aimed to make the US a global leader in Bitcoin production, but his own trade war has driven up costs.

Tariffs on Chinese mining equipment are now reaching over 150% in some cases.

Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing the Clean Cloud Act, a proposed bill that would impose carbon fees on energy-intensive operations starting in 2026, adding more pressure on miners reliant on fossil fuels.

Kyle Baird is DL News’ Weekend Editor. Got a tip? Email at kbaird@dlnews.com.