Core Scientific to Wind Down Bitcoin Mining By Q4 2026 as AI Takes Over

Core Scientific will wind down its Bitcoin mining operations by the fourth quarter of 2026, pivoting its infrastructure toward AI and high-performance computing workloads. The move comes as several major miners, including MARA Holdings, Riot Platforms and HIVE Digital, have begun diversifying away from traditional Bitcoin mining. The shift reflects the sector's search for more stable, higher-margin revenue as AI data-center demand surges and mining economics tighten. Core Scientific's exit timeline gives the market roughly two years to absorb the loss of one of its largest listed miners. Investors will be watching whether other operators follow with their own wind-down schedules and how much of the displaced hash rate is picked up by remaining players.