crypto mining Mining is a case in point. Let’s dive in. What Is Crypto Mining? Mining is essentially a distributed consensus system. It’s a mechanism through which many people around the world are involved in maintaining crypto networks. “Mining” is a term used to describe the process of validating transactions that are waiting to be added to the blockchain database. Mining is essential on Proof of Work blockchains like Bitcoin’s. Newer blockchains tend to use Proof of Stake and other consensus mechanisms, and they do not need or allow mining.