Man Who Lost 8,000 BTC Pushes to Purchase Landfill in Hopes
of Recovering His Fortune
Imagine accidentally discarding 8,000 Bitcoin (BTC), a stash now worth over $779 million. This unimaginable scenario is the reality for James Howells, a Welsh engineer who made the costly mistake of tossing a hard drive containing his Bitcoin wallet back in 2013.
At the time, Bitcoin was a relatively unknown cryptocurrency worth just a few hundred dollars, so the loss seemed insignificant. But now, with Bitcoin’s surge in value, Howells is determined to reclaim his lost fortune. His latest effort involves buying the entire landfill where he believes his hard drive lies, before the site is permanently closed.
A Historic Mistake with Massive Consequences
Back in 2009, Howells mined 8,000 BTC during Bitcoin’s early days. Fast forward to 2013, and he inadvertently discarded the hard drive. Despite Bitcoin’s low value at the time, Howells now finds himself in a race against time. The Newport City Council has plans to close the landfill and convert it into a solar farm, making the excavation of his hard drive even more urgent.
Endless Struggles and Unwavering Determination
For nearly a decade, Howells has faced rejection after rejection from the city council, who argue that the search would be too costly and environmentally damaging. Nevertheless, Howells remains committed, proposing the use of AI technology, robots, and professional excavation services to minimize risk and ensure the safe retrieval of the device.
As Bitcoin’s value continues to rise, the stakes have never been higher for Howells. The question now remains: will the city grant him permission to search for his Bitcoin treasure, or will his $779 million fortune stay buried forever?
What do you think—should he be allowed to dig for his lost wealth, or is it time to let it go? Share your thoughts below!
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