<p>Bitcoin mining is the process of validating and adding new transactions to the Bitcoin blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger. It involves solving complex mathematical problems using powerful computers. Miners compete to solve these problems first, with the winner earning newly created bitcoins and transaction fees.</p>

<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>Bitcoin mining operates on the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Here's a simplified breakdown:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Miners receive a block of transactions to validate.</li>
  <li>They use specialized software to solve a complex mathematical puzzle, known as a hash.</li>
  <li>The first miner to solve the puzzle gets to add the next block to the blockchain and claim a block reward, currently 6.25 bitcoins.</li>
  <li>This process repeats approximately every 10 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why It Matters</h2>
<p>Bitcoin mining serves two critical purposes:</p>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Securing the network</strong>: By requiring miners to solve complex puzzles, the network ensures that no single entity can control the blockchain.</li>
  <li><strong>Issuing new bitcoins</strong>: Miners are rewarded with newly created bitcoins for their work, gradually introducing new coins into circulation.</li>
</ul>
<p>As of 2021, the total number of bitcoins that can be mined is capped at 21 million. This scarcity is a key aspect of Bitcoin's value proposition.</p>