Proposed cryptocurrency mining facility under review in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — A proposed cryptocurrency mining facility is under review in Starkville, with city officials and residents divided over its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Several citizens voiced concerns at a recent meeting, citing potential noise pollution, environmental impact and the volume of resources the facility would require to operate.

Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said the facility would benefit the community, describing it as a $10 million investment. She said the money would go to the city, the county and the school district.

Spruill said the facility is projected to use 20,000 gallons of water per day, noting the city’s splash pad uses more — at 60,000 gallons per day.

The center would draw 30 megawatts of power; the city has a 50-megawatt capacity.

Spruill said the facility would generate about $1 million for the electric department, allowing the city to offset rate increases.

Michael Frayser, owner of High Ground Coffee, said he opposes the proposal.

“What it’s really going to do is — it’s going to gobble up electricity. And all these people are up in the air about the environment and all this stuff. I don’t really want to see a cryptocurrency mining center here gobbling up even more resources, taking up space. I’m not a fan of it,” Frayser said.

Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins said he needs to see all of the facts and has questions for the company.

“As a decision maker, if I see any type of impact, I’m not going to vote for it to locate here because I’m not willing to risk any quality-of-life issue,” Perkins said.

Spruill said the board could see plans as soon as August.