Bitmine Immersion Technologies, a company focused on cryptocurrency mining and blockchain infrastructure, has shared a detailed update on its strategic outlook and market perspective through a presentation and video delivered by its Executive Chairman, Tom Lee, at the CoinDesk Consensus 2026 conference in Hong Kong. The company also issued a press release providing operational updates alongside this market commentary. This communication primarily centers on the evolving narrative around Bitcoin and Ethereum, the comparative performance of gold and cryptocurrencies, and Bitmine’s positioning within the crypto ecosystem.
Key details:
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Market outlook on Bitcoin and gold:
- Tom Lee emphasized that while gold outperformed Bitcoin in 2025—rising 73% compared to Bitcoin’s 29% decline—this dynamic is expected to shift in 2026.
- He highlighted that gold’s massive market size (approximately $41 trillion) and its recent price momentum have contributed to Bitcoin’s underperformance, partly due to margin calls triggered by gold’s moves.
- Historically, Bitcoin has been a more consistent store of value than gold, underperforming inflation only 3% of the time since its inception, compared to gold’s 48% underperformance over the past 50 years.
- Lee predicts that gold’s peak performance is likely behind it and that Bitcoin will resume its role as a preferred store of value this year, signaling a potential turning point for crypto markets.
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Crypto adoption and Ethereum’s role:
- The presentation outlined multiple drivers for continued cryptocurrency adoption, with Ethereum positioned as a central player in the ecosystem.
- Lee described the rise of dominant Decentralized Autonomous Tokens (DATs) and suggested that Bitmine offers one of the best ways for investors to gain exposure to Ethereum’s growth.
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Bitmine’s strategic positioning:
- By aligning itself with Ethereum mining and the broader crypto infrastructure, Bitmine aims to capitalize on the anticipated resurgence in crypto markets.
- The company’s messaging underscores confidence in the long-term viability and growth potential of crypto assets despite recent market challenges.
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Communication format and timing:
- The company released a video of Tom Lee’s address on February 17, 2026, along with a transcript and a press release updating investors on these views and Bitmine’s operational status.
- This update serves as a reaffirmation of Bitmine’s strategic focus and market outlook rather than announcing new transactions, financing, or management changes.
Plain-English implications:
- Bitmine is signaling a bullish stance on Bitcoin and Ethereum for 2026, suggesting that the recent crypto “winter” may be nearing its end as gold’s dominance fades.
- The company is positioning itself as a key beneficiary of renewed interest in Ethereum mining, which could drive operational growth and investor value.
- Investors should note that Bitmine’s outlook ties its fortunes closely to the broader crypto market recovery, particularly the performance of Bitcoin as a store of value and Ethereum as a platform for decentralized applications.