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Should we diversify mining pools for better decentralization?

Cryptocurrency Mining Strategies | Diversifying Decentralization Efforts

By

Oliver Schmidt

Aug 13, 2025, 01:37 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A graphic showing a large mining pool labeled SupportXMR being overshadowed by smaller mining pools and individual miners, representing the importance of diversification in mining.

A growing debate among miners centers on the need to diversify pool participation. With 40% of the last 100 mined blocks attributed to the SupportXMR pool, some are pushing for a shift towards smaller pools or even solo mining to enhance decentralization.

As SupportXMR remains a dominant force in the Monero mining scene, the significance of decentralization becomes increasingly clear. Miners argue that protecting the network may outweigh profit motives in the current environment. A user commented, "Profit is currently not the objective, it’s all about protection right now."

Curiously, some miners view switching pools or opting for solo mining as a gamble worth taking, with one noting, "Who knows, maybe you’d hit the jackpot during your solo mine ;)"

Feedback from the community reflects a strong sentiment towards smaller or self-hosted pools:

  • One user stated, "I’m mining MoneroOcean, even my GPUs point towards smaller percentage pools."

  • Another noted their success with, "I’ve been running a consistent 15-20 kh on MoneroOcean for years!"

  • Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing autonomy and the importance of diversifying their mining activities.

  • β–³ 40% of mined blocks from SupportXMR highlights centralization risks

  • β–½ Users are advocating for solo mining and smaller pools for increased security

  • 🌟 "Change pools or run your own nodes," suggests a frequent miner.

To summarize, the conversation surrounding mining strategies is shifting as the focus turns towards decentralization. The quest for more autonomy in cryptocurrency mining is not just about maximizing profits but securing the future of the network. As this discussion unfolds, it seems clear that the sentiment around diversifying pools will grow stronger.

Betting on a Shift in Mining Dynamics

As more miners embrace the idea of diversifying their pools, the likelihood of significant shifts in mining dynamics increases. There's a strong chance that smaller pools will gain a larger share of the mining landscape, potentially leading to a more secure and decentralized network. Experts estimate around 60% of miners might make the switch in the next six months as the quest for autonomy intensifies. Given the dominance of SupportXMR, the pressure to move could result in greater innovation and efficiency among smaller operators. As miners balance profit and network safety, a transition towards self-hosted solutions could rise dramatically.

Lessons from Digital Age Dilemmas

This effort to diversify mining pools mirrors the early internet days when content shifted from centralized platforms to independent blogs and forums. Just as creators sought control over their content and audience, miners today are pushing back against pool centralization for greater influence over the network's future. This reflects a fundamental human drive for independence, proving that innovations often spring from challenges within centralized power structures, forging paths towards a freer, more distributed digital future.