Bitcoin News Today: Residents sue MARA Bitcoin mining facility over noise-linked health issues in Granbury, Texas

Residents near a 300-megawatt Bitcoin mining facility operated by MARA Holdings in Granbury, Texas, are reporting severe health issues they attribute to relentless noise pollution from the site. A video by the nonprofit More Perfect Union features residents describing their lives as “hell” due to constant low-frequency noise, with one elderly resident stating, “It never goes away, headaches never go away,” as the facility’s sounds are clearly audible in the background [1]. The mining operation, located in an unincorporated area of Hood County, was initially developed by Compute North in 2022 before MARA acquired it in January 2024.

The facility has drawn attention for its noise profile, described by Earthjustice attorney Mandy DeRoche as “a special noise... incessant,” distinct from typical industrial or traffic noise [1]. In October 2024, a group of residents filed a lawsuit against MARA (then Marathon Digital), alleging sensory, emotional, and physical harm from the mining operation. The complaint cited hospitalizations, “constant headaches,” and even the death of a horse as potential consequences of prolonged exposure to the noise [1]. Neither MARA nor Earthjustice have responded to requests for comment.

The controversy highlights growing tensions between Bitcoin mining expansion and community well-being, particularly in rural areas. MARA’s recent $1 billion convertible note offering—partially earmarked for Bitcoin purchases—has intensified scrutiny of the industry’s priorities. The company holds 50,000 BTC, valued at approximately $6 billion [1]. A Granbury resident criticized the industry’s impact on the community, saying, “I don’t have a problem with the industry. What I have a problem with is [what] it’s doing to people here” [1].

Political ties to the facility further complicate the issue. Months before the lawsuit, Bitcoin mining executives met with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, who later promoted the industry in campaign promises. While Trump’s administration has not passed specific Bitcoin mining legislation, it advanced bills on stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, and digital asset market structures. A March executive order also directed the creation of national Bitcoin stockpiles [1]. Critics argue that regulatory support for crypto could exacerbate local conflicts, particularly in communities already grappling with environmental and health concerns.

The Granbury case reflects a broader struggle between technological innovation and community welfare. As Bitcoin mining operations scale, developers face mounting pressure to address noise, energy consumption, and health impacts. The lawsuit against MARA may set a precedent for how courts balance industrial activities with residents’ quality of life. For now, residents remain vocal about their plight, with one stating, “Every family here is sick” [1], a phrase underscoring the human cost of an industry reshaping global finance.

Source: [1] [title1: Granbury, Texas—MARA Bitcoin Mining] [url1: https://cointelegraph.com/news/granbury-texas-mara-bitcoin-mining]