NASDAQ-listed coal mining giant Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) has announced its entry into the cryptocurrency market by investing $30 million in Bitcoin (BTC) mining. This unexpected step was revealed during the company’s latest earnings call, highlighted by CFO Cary Marshall. “In the second half of 2020, we started Bitcoin mining as a pilot project at our River View mine to monetize already paid but underutilized electrical load,” explained Marshall, showcasing the strategic use of excess power at their facilities. This innovative approach not only maximized existing resources but also diversified the company’s revenue streams.