A British IT professional, James Howells, faces a heartbreaking loss after accidentally discarding a hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin in 2013. Despite knowing the exact location—a local landfill—the Newport City Council has denied his requests to retrieve it, citing legal and environmental concerns.
The Story Behind the Lost Bitcoin Fortune
- Early Mining Efforts: Howells began mining Bitcoin in 2009 on his laptop, accumulating 7,500 coins by 2013.
- Fateful Mistake: During a house cleanup, he threw away the hard drive storing the Bitcoin, which was later buried in a Newport landfill.
- Current Value: With Bitcoin’s price soaring to ~$17,000 per coin, the lost stash is now worth **$127 million**.
Challenges in Recovery
- Landfill Complexity: The site contains 350,000 tons of waste, with 50,000 tons added annually.
- Environmental Risks: Excavation could release hazardous gases or cause fires.
- Legal Barriers: Unauthorized access is criminal, and the council refuses permits due to potential ecological damage.
Technical Obstacles
- Corrosion: The hard drive may be irreparably damaged by electrochemical corrosion.
- Costs: Specialized excavation could cost millions, though Howells claims to have secured funding.
FAQs
Q: Why can’t James Howells retrieve the hard drive?
A: The Newport City Council prohibits landfill excavation due to environmental and legal risks.
Q: How much are the lost Bitcoin worth today?
A: At current prices (~$17,000/BTC), the 7,500 Bitcoin would equal **$127 million**.
Q: Could the hard drive still function if found?
A: Experts doubt it due to likely corrosion from landfill conditions.
👉 Discover secure ways to store crypto assets
Q: Has Bitcoin recovery from landfills succeeded before?
A: Rare cases exist, but success depends on preservation conditions and device integrity.
👉 Learn about Bitcoin wallet security
The Future of the Lost Bitcoin
With Bitcoin’s value rising, pressure on the council may grow, but for now, Howells’ fortune remains buried—literally.
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