Foundry Digital’s newly launched Zcash mining pool captured roughly 29% of the network’s total hashrate within just one month of its public debut in April 2026. The pace of that gain is notable, bringing Foundry close to the level previously held by ViaBTC, which had maintained around 30% of Zcash hashrate.
A Rapid Shift in the Mining Pool Landscape
The development signals a meaningful change in Zcash’s mining structure. For a new entrant to approach one-third of the network so quickly suggests strong early adoption, especially among the miner segment Foundry is targeting. According to the source material, the pool is designed specifically for institutional miners rather than a broad retail base.
Foundry’s pool uses a PPLNS payout model and requires KYC/AML checks, making compliance a core part of its operating framework. That positioning sets it apart from more traditional mining pools and may appeal to participants seeking regulatory clarity and formal onboarding standards.
Zcash Network Hashrate Is Also Growing
The broader Zcash network has also been expanding. Total hashrate rose from 8.1 GSol/s in September 2025 to 13.8 GSol/s, indicating rising miner interest in the network. A growing hashrate usually points to increased participation or stronger deployed hardware, and it often intensifies competition among major pools.
Against that backdrop, Foundry’s arrival is being viewed as a decentralizing force in relative terms. While the company itself has accumulated significant share very quickly, its presence may reduce the degree to which the network was previously centered around a single dominant pool, namely ViaBTC.
Compliance-Focused Infrastructure May Draw Institutions
Another key feature of Foundry’s strategy is its compliance architecture. By combining institutional access, a relatively low barrier to entry, and KYC/AML procedures, the pool appears tailored for miners that want regulatory assurance alongside operational scale. That could become increasingly relevant as mining infrastructure providers compete not only on payouts and uptime, but also on legal and compliance standards.
Overall, Foundry’s move to secure 29% of Zcash hashrate in one month highlights both rising institutional participation and a possible reshaping of the network’s mining balance. With total hashrate climbing and pool competition tightening, the next phase of Zcash mining distribution will be closely watched.