BitMine expands Ethereum holdings with major purchase

BitMine doubles down on Ethereum despite market slump.

BitMine has purchased 21,537 ether tokens, continuing its Ethereum accumulation strategy amid declining stock prices and billions in unrealized losses on its balance sheet, according to analytics platform Lookonchain.

Lookonchain reported that a wallet associated with the company received a transfer of ether from institutional prime broker FalconX. The purchase brings BitMine’s total holdings to more than 3.5 million ether, representing approximately 3% of the cryptocurrency’s circulating supply and making the firm one of the largest corporate holders of Ethereum.

The acquisition comes as Ethereum (ETH) has declined significantly over the past month, creating billions in paper losses for BitMine’s treasury and contributing to a drop in the company’s stock price. The company has characterized the purchases as part of its “Strategic ETH Reserve” program.

Thomas Lee, a representative at BitMine, stated that the recent market downturn resulted from broader market mechanics rather than structural weakness. Lee cited the October liquidity shock, which eliminated tens of billions in leveraged positions across the crypto market, and compared the clearing process to previous market episodes, including the post-FTX deleveraging in 2022. The company anticipates a V-shaped recovery once markets stabilize, according to Lee.

On Nov. 21, BitMine announced plans for its “Made in America Validator Network” (MAVAN), a staking infrastructure scheduled to launch in early 2026. The company has selected three pilot partners to test its validator operations.

Lee stated that BitMine plans to expand MAVAN with at least one pilot partner alongside infrastructure providers. “We believe in building the premier destination for our natively staked Ether and are proud to build with the best partners,” Lee said in a statement. “At scale, our strategy will best serve the long-term best interests of our shareholders.”

If BitMine stakes its complete ether holdings, the company could generate annual rewards, creating recurring revenue. The move would transition BitMine from a reserve holder to an active participant in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network.

BitMine recently declared a nominal annual dividend, becoming one of the first major crypto treasury companies to distribute capital directly to shareholders. The company stated the dividend demonstrates confidence in its long-term strategy.

The company’s approach combines continued token accumulation, development of a U.S.-based staking network, and shareholder distributions as Ethereum prices remain under pressure.