There is already a brisk — if narrow — trade in bitcoin. Justin O’Connell, CEO of GoldSilverBitcoin.com, says he conducts approximately $15,000 in bitcoin trades a day. “A lot of people who got into the bitcoin market earlier are switching them into silver and gold,” he says. “They are taking advantage of the high bitcoin prices and low silver and gold prices.” The recent slump in the silver and gold prices has created opportunities for bitcoinites. “We accept bitcoins for metals and metals for bitcoins,” he says.

Yet another factor to consider in the search for a winning miner.

I.W.