Foundry Digital is set to launch a U.S.-based Zcash (ZEC) mining pool in the first half of 2026, marking a pivotal shift for the privacy-focused network. By introducing institutional-grade compliance, reporting standards, and operational transparency, Foundry aims to bridge the gap between traditional mining ecosystems and public companies seeking exposure to ZEC.
Why is Foundry moving into Zcash now?
The pivot isn't just about chasing yield; it’s about infrastructure. While Bitcoin mining has seen its margins tighten following the 2024 halving—with hashprice currently hovering near $30 per petahash—Foundry CEO Mike Colyer maintains that the move is driven by a lack of compliant, U.S.-based infrastructure for Zcash miners. Institutional players require rigorous KYC/AML checks and auditable reporting that global, decentralized pools often fail to provide.
This move comes as privacy coins face a complex landscape. While EU tax regulations and increased on-chain surveillance have created a "privacy premium" for tokens like ZEC, institutional investors have remained sidelined by compliance risks. Foundry’s entry effectively legitimizes ZEC as an institutional-grade asset. For more on how institutional entities are navigating these waters, check out our coverage on Wells Fargo Files WFUSD Trademark for Crypto Payments and Trading.
The Zcash vs. Bitcoin Mining Landscape
Zcash and Bitcoin share the 21 million supply cap, but their underlying mechanics differ significantly. Zcash utilizes the Equihash algorithm, which is memory-intensive compared to Bitcoin’s SHA-256.
| Feature | Bitcoin (BTC) | Zcash (ZEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm | SHA-256 | Equihash |
| Block Time | 10 Minutes | 75 Seconds |
| Privacy | Pseudonymous | Optional Shielded (zk-SNARKs) |
| Primary Focus | Store of Value | Financial Anonymity |
As miners look to diversify revenue streams amidst shrinking margins, the shift toward ZEC is logical. The asset has shown significant resilience, with price performance vastly outpacing competitors like Monero (XMR) over the last 12 months. You can track real-time ZEC market data at CoinGecko.
What does the new pool offer?
Foundry plans to mirror the operational framework of its existing Bitcoin pool, which already holds SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance certifications. Key features include: