CleanSpark and Bitcoin miners’ selling spree – Is the miner HODL era ending?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-03-07Last updated on 2026-03-07

Abstract

Bitcoin's retreat from its October 2025 peak has triggered a significant shift in miner behavior, with public mining companies accelerating BTC transfers to exchanges. As mining profitability tightens due to a declining hashprice and rising operational costs, miners are increasingly liquidating reserves to maintain cash flow. Since October 2025, publicly listed miners have sold over 15,000 BTC, reducing total miner balances. This trend is exemplified by CleanSpark, which sold nearly all its February production (553 of 568 BTC mined), a stark contrast to its previous retention strategy. This signals a broader industry move away from long-term accumulation toward immediate monetization. Current miner selling patterns resemble late-cycle capitulation phases, though the selling pressure appears more controlled than in previous bear markets. The Miner Position Index remains low, while the Hash Ribbons indicator recently flashed a buy signal, historically preceding market rebounds. However, corporate miners' use of hedging and diversified revenue streams suggests this cycle may feature a more gradual transition rather than violent capitulation.

Bitcoin’s [BTC] retreat from the $126,000 peak in October 2025 triggered a notable shift in miner treasury behavior. As prices cooled down, public mining companies began accelerating transfers of BTC to exchanges.

At the same time, mining profitability tightened sharply as hashprice dropped below $30 per PH/s, compressing margins across the industry. Meanwhile, the post-halving reward remains 3.125 BTC per block, producing roughly 450 BTC of new supply daily. As operational costs rise, miners have been increasingly liquidating reserves to maintain cash flows.

Since October 2025, publicly listed miners have sold more than 15,000 BTC. Major transactions include Cango’s 4,451 BTC disposal, alongside large sales from Bitdeer, Riot Platforms, and Core Scientific. As a result, the total miner balance now stands near 1,780,305 BTC.

This shift carries structural implications. Miners represent the primary source of new Bitcoin supply. When treasury holdings decline, additional coins enter circulation, temporarily expanding sell-side liquidity and reinforcing downward pressure across the market.

CleanSpark signals miner treasury shift

The recent wave of miner distribution became clearer when examining CleanSpark’s treasury activity in February. As profitability tightened across the mining sector, the company shifted towards immediate monetization of new production.

Across the sector, Glassnode reported a 30-day net position change of about -490 BTC, indicating miners have been collectively selling more coins than they produce.

Within this environment, CleanSpark’s strategy mirrors the shift towards liquidity, as evidenced by their significant sales of mined BTC to generate cash flow amidst broader market trends.

The company mined 568 BTC in February, yet sold 553 BTC, generating roughly $36.6 million in proceeds. This near-total liquidation was in contrast with January, when CleanSpark sold 159 BTC out of 573 mined – Retaining a larger portion of production.

At the same time, total holdings declined from 13,513 BTC to 13,363 BTC, signaling a gradual treasury drawdown. Meanwhile, operational capacity expanded to roughly 50 EH/s, raising both production scale and capital requirements.

Together, these signals pointed to miners increasingly converting new issuance into liquidity, reinforcing the broader shift away from long-term accumulation.

Current miner selling echoes past capitulation phases

Right now, Bitcoin miner behavior increasingly resembles late-stage capitulation patterns seen in previous cycles. The Miner Position Index (MPI) sat near -0.38 at press time, signaling reduced outflows relative to the yearly average.

In previous bear markets, capitulation appeared far more aggressive. During 2018 and 2022, the Miner Position Index (MPI) surged above 2 and even 3.5 – Reflecting intense miner selling before major recoveries.

Meanwhile, structural signals are beginning to shift too.

The Hash Ribbon indicators flashed a buy signal in late February, as the 30-day hash rate moving average crossed above the 60-day. Similar crossovers followed deep drawdowns in 2019 and 2022, both preceding strong market rebounds.

However, the current cycle might just have new dynamics. Corporate miners are increasingly relying on hedging strategies and diversified revenue streams. As a result, the selling pressure is now more controlled, hinting at a gradual transition rather than the violent capitulation seen in previous cycles.


Final Summary

  • Bitcoin [BTC] miner liquidations are increasing sell-side supply as profitability declines, adding pressure during the current market correction.
  • Bitcoin miner behavior increasingly resembles late-cycle capitulation phases, where controlled distribution and structural signals historically precede market stabilization.

Related Questions

QWhat triggered the shift in Bitcoin miner treasury behavior according to the article?

ABitcoin's retreat from the $126,000 peak in October 2025 triggered a notable shift in miner treasury behavior.

QHow much BTC have publicly listed miners sold since October 2025, and which companies were major sellers?

APublicly listed miners have sold more than 15,000 BTC since October 2025. Major sellers included Cango (4,451 BTC), Bitdeer, Riot Platforms, and Core Scientific.

QWhat does CleanSpark's treasury activity in February indicate about the broader mining sector's strategy?

ACleanSpark's activity, selling 553 of the 568 BTC it mined, signals a broader industry shift towards immediate monetization of new production to generate cash flow, moving away from long-term accumulation.

QWhat is the significance of the Hash Ribbon indicators flashing a buy signal in late February?

AThe Hash Ribbon indicators flashed a buy signal when the 30-day hash rate moving average crossed above the 60-day average. Similar crossovers in 2019 and 2022 preceded strong market rebounds.

QHow does the current miner selling pressure differ from the capitulation phases of previous cycles like 2018 and 2022?

AThe current selling pressure is more controlled. Unlike the intense capitulation in 2018 and 2022 where the MPI surged above 2 and 3.5, miners now use hedging strategies and diversified revenue streams, suggesting a gradual transition rather than violent selling.

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