Biden Administration Orders Chinese-Backed Crypto Miner to Sell Land Near U.S. Nuclear Site
The Biden administration has ordered a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining company to sell land near a U.S. nuclear missile base following an investigation by a government agency. This directive comes amidst a series of tough policies on China aimed at protecting U.S. national security.
President Joe Biden issued the order on Monday, compelling the Chinese-supported mining company to divest its property near a nuclear missile facility in Wyoming on grounds of national security.
According to the White House, the company, MineOne, acquired the land in June 2022 and situated its operations within a one-mile radius of the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base—a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad and strategic missile base.
The presidential order noted that the site contained “specialized and foreign-origin equipment that could facilitate surveillance and espionage activities.”
President Biden stated there was “credible evidence” suggesting that the British Virgin Islands company, majority-owned by Chinese nationals, “might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States.”
MineOne has been instructed to divest from the land within the next 120 days and to remove certain fixtures and equipment from the property. The company has not immediately responded to CNBC’s request for comment.
