Feb 8
2021
BlockMint Announces Release of Minter Browser with New Carbon Offset Feature
Vancouver, British Columbia – BlockMint Technologies Inc. (“BlockMint” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: BKMT) is pleased to announce that it has released its upgraded, distributed crypto-miner “Minter” which is available to download at getminter.com. The Company is also excited to introduce a new feature of the Minter browser which allows users to earn carbon credits to offset their carbon footprint.
BlockMint’s CEO, Nelson Ijih commented: “ We initially designed Minter with the underlying philosophy that everyone should be able to participate in the crypto-economy. We also think it’s important that we all do our part to tackle climate change and preserve our planet for future generations. We are excited to offer users this unique way in which they can help to offset their carbon footprint simply by browsing the internet.”
A carbon footprint is basically the total amount of emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) that a person produces from their daily activities, such as driving a car or taking a flight. It is measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) with carbon dioxide being the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. GHG emissions are responsible for global warming, which has led to devastating effects on the planet such as extreme weather events, wildfires, and rising sea levels.
Carbon credits (sometimes also referred to as carbon offsets) are generated by projects that reduce or remove GHG emissions. They allow individuals and businesses to offset their emissions with an equivalent reduction or removal of emissions in a sustainable project somewhere else on the planet. The purchase of carbon credits helps finance emission reduction or removal projects that otherwise might not get developed. There can also be additional environmental and socio-economical benefits associated with these projects, such as job creation, water conservation, and protection of biodiversity.
The Minter browser allows users to use their spare computing power to mine cryptocurrencies and earn carbon credits to offset their carbon footprint. The browser has a user-friendly, built-in dashboard where a user can control the amount (if any) of computing power on his/her computer that will be used for mining to earn carbon credits. Users bear all mining costs associated with the computing power on their device (electricity costs of operating the user’s device) but benefit from receiving carbon credits purchased with the cryptocurrencies mined. BlockMint will earn a margin on the purchase of the carbon credits.
The Minter browser also provides a virtual private network (VPN) and ad-blocker. Online privacy is a growing concern which is why many are turning to VPNs to protect their identities while browsing. Minter makes it easy to browse safely and in total anonymity. It is estimated that 25% of internet users used a VPN last month, which typically costs around US$10 per month.
This upgraded version of Minter has been initially launched for use on desktops and laptops with a Windows operating system. Support for additional operating systems (MacOS, Linux) will be added later this year. This will be followed by versions of Minter for smartphones and tablets. BlockMint intends to focus on expanding accessibility of the Minter browser this year and, as a result, has decided to pause its development work on its other product MintAcess.
BlockMint also continues to evaluate the possible acquisition of hardware to mine cryptocurrency in-house and augment the cryptocurrency earned via its distributed Minter software app.
About BlockMint Technologies Inc.
BlockMint, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Blockmint (USA) Technologies Inc., develops distributed systems and networks that enable a more decentralized deployment of blockchain-based applications such as cryptocurrency mining.
On behalf of
BLOCKMINT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Nelson Ijih
Nelson Ijih, CEO
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to.