Foundry launches Zcash pool, reaches 30% hash rate

Foundry Digital has launched a new mining pool for Zcash in April 2026. The pool rapidly captured around 30% of the network’s hash rate. At the same time, the company introduced a real-time block explorer. This development highlights the growing role of large players in crypto mining.

Zcash mining pool launched by Foundry

Foundry Digital introduced a new Zcash mining pool. The pool attracted institutional miners before its public launch. As a result, it quickly gained scale. According to company data, the pool now controls about 30% of total network hash rate.

Alongside the pool, Foundry launched Zcashinfo.com. The platform serves as a block explorer and analytics tool.

It provides real-time insights, including:

• hash rate distribution
• mining pool rankings
• network difficulty
• block data

This improves transparency across the network.

How Zcash mining works

Zcash remains a leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency.

It uses zk-SNARKs technology to validate transactions without revealing details. This differentiates it from transparent blockchains.

Like Bitcoin, Zcash relies on proof-of-work mining.

However, it operates differently:

• blocks are produced every 75 seconds
• the Equihash algorithm is used
• memory requirements are higher

Because solo mining is inefficient, miners join pools. This helps stabilize rewards and reduce variance.

Foundry’s impact on the Zcash ecosystem

The rapid growth of Foundry’s pool may influence network dynamics.

Large pools can control a significant share of hash rate. This raises concerns about centralization.

Potential outcomes include:

• stronger influence of institutional miners
• shifts in hash rate distribution
• increased competition among pools

At the same time, the new explorer enhances data visibility. This may attract additional participants.

Consolidation trend in mining pools

The launch reflects a broader shift in the mining sector. Companies are expanding beyond mining into infrastructure services. Foundry uses a PPLNS payout model. It rewards miners based on long-term contribution.

The focus on institutional onboarding also signals market evolution.

The industry is moving toward:

• greater transparency
• consolidation of large operators
• integrated service ecosystems

In the long term, these changes may reshape how mining networks are structured and governed.

Read also: Foundry to Launch Zcash Mining Pool in 2026