Foundry Digital captures 29.2% of Zcash network hashrate with new mining pool

The introduction of a compliant mining pool diversifies Zcash's mining landscape, reducing centralization risks and fostering a more secure network.

• Foundry Digital launched the Foundry Zcash Pool in early April 2026, capturing 29.2% of the Zcash network's hashrate within its first month.
• ViaBTC's dominance in Zcash mining dropped from approximately 68% to 37%, addressing previous centralization concerns.
• The pool has mined 2,344 blocks and introduced a dedicated block explorer at zcashinfo.com.

• Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that utilizes zk-SNARKs, which faced centralization risks due to ViaBTC's previous dominance.
• Institutional miners were seeking compliant mining solutions as Zcash's market cap reached $6.2 billion, with a significant price increase over the past year.
• Foundry Digital, already the operator of the largest Bitcoin mining pool, aimed to provide a transparent and institutional-grade mining environment.

Foundry Digital's entry into the Zcash mining space marks a significant shift in the cryptocurrency landscape, particularly for privacy-focused coins. The Foundry Zcash Pool began accumulating hashrate on March 4, 2026, shortly after its announcement on March 11. By early April, it was operational and quickly attracted institutional partners, leveraging a pay-per-last-N-shares model that ensures transparent payouts. This model is particularly appealing to institutional miners who prioritize compliance and security in their operations.

The rapid accumulation of hashrate—29.2% within the first month—has profound implications for the Zcash network. Previously, ViaBTC's dominance raised alarms about centralization risks, which could compromise the network's security and integrity. With Foundry's entrance, the hashrate distribution has diversified, reducing ViaBTC's share from 68.1% to 37%. This shift not only enhances the decentralization of the network but also mitigates the risks associated with having a single entity control a majority of the mining power.

The mining pool's success can be attributed to the growing demand for compliant mining solutions among institutional players, especially as Zcash's market cap surged. The cryptocurrency's price increased by 1,050% over the previous year, indicating a robust interest in privacy-preserving digital assets. Foundry's infrastructure is designed to cater to this demand, providing a reliable and transparent mining environment that aligns with regulatory expectations.

Moreover, the launch of the zcashinfo.com block explorer adds another layer of transparency, allowing miners and users to track block production and payouts effectively. This transparency is crucial for building trust within the community and attracting more institutional interest.

As the Zcash network continues to evolve, the implications of Foundry's mining pool extend beyond mere numbers. The enhanced decentralization could lead to increased security for users, making Zcash a more attractive option for those prioritizing privacy in their transactions. This shift may also encourage further institutional investment in the cryptocurrency space, as compliance and security become paramount.

• Institutional miners: They gain access to a compliant and transparent mining environment, enhancing their operational security.
• Zcash users: Improved network decentralization increases transaction security and privacy.
• Investors: A more secure Zcash network could lead to increased confidence and potentially higher asset values.

• Hashrate distribution trends: Monitor how the hashrate evolves over the coming months to assess the ongoing decentralization of Zcash.
• Institutional interest: Watch for announcements from institutional miners regarding their participation in the Foundry Zcash Pool, which could indicate broader market trends.
• Zcash price movements: Keep an eye on Zcash's price fluctuations, especially in relation to market sentiment and regulatory developments.