Argo Blockchain Exits LSE in Eco-Friendly Crypto Shift
A major cryptocurrency company, Argo Blockchain, is stepping away from the London Stock Exchange as part of a big restructuring move. This decision could shape the future of crypto, especially for companies that focus on being environmentally friendly.
Argo announced back in October that it would be delisting from the exchange. This means that shareholders’ ownership will drop significantly, shrinking down to just a 2.5% stake. For investors, this also means changes in how the company reports its financials and how it’s regulated. It could also affect how shares are traded and taxed.
Argo is known for its large-scale crypto mining operations powered entirely by clean energy, making it stand out in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact. The company runs its Baie Comeau facility on 100% hydropower and is recognized as the first climate-positive crypto company that supports the Crypto Climate Accord.
The crypto industry has long faced criticism for its energy use and pollution. For example, a study by the United Nations University revealed that bitcoin mining in one year created as much air pollution as burning 84 billion pounds of coal or running 190 gas power plants. The Natural Resources Defense Council added that one bitcoin transaction consumes the same amount of energy and causes as much pollution as 330,000 credit card transactions.
Despite these concerns, some experts believe cryptocurrency can still help the environment. Some companies are finding new ways to reward green practices—like giving out coins to solar energy producers based on how much clean power they generate.
Others are turning to smarter tech solutions. Ethereum, another big name in crypto, recently moved to a proof-of-stake system, which uses 99.95% less energy than its old method. Another company is using the energy from crypto mining to train artificial intelligence models, putting that power to good use.
Argo Blockchain’s move away from traditional stock markets could signal what’s next for eco-friendly crypto companies. As Kaveh Madani, who led the UN study, puts it: crypto’s environmental footprint should push us to create better rules and technology that allow financial innovation without damaging the planet.
This shift in the industry could be a turning point—where companies like Argo lead the way in proving that cryptocurrency can go green without slowing down.