James Howells, a computer engineer, believes a hard drive containing Bitcoin worth a staggering $765 million is buried in a landfill in Newport, Wales. Howells accidentally discarded the drive, about the size of a smartphone, back in 2013. Despite numerous requests, the Newport Council has consistently denied him permission to search the site, citing environmental concerns and ownership disputes.
However, a recent development has provided a glimmer of hope. The Newport Council announced plans to close the landfill within the next 12 months and convert it into a solar farm to power the council’s garbage trucks. This closure has sparked a new strategy for Howells.
A Potential Purchase
In a recent interview with the BBC, Howells expressed interest in purchasing the entire landfill site. He has reportedly been discussing this possibility with investment partners. The landfill contains over 1.4 million tons of waste, with Howells estimating the hard drive’s location within a 100,000-ton section.
High-Tech Treasure Hunt
Howells outlined a technologically advanced search plan involving human sorters, robotic dogs, and an AI-powered machine capable of identifying a hard drive on a conveyor belt. He acknowledges the risk of the drive being damaged, which could render the Bitcoins unrecoverable.
Sharing the Spoils
Should his ambitious endeavor succeed, Howells plans to distribute the recovered Bitcoin: 30% to himself, 30% to the recovery team, 30% to investors, and the remaining 10% to local initiatives and Newport residents.
A Dramatic Increase in Value
This isn’t the first time Howells’ story has made headlines. MaagX reported on the lost hard drive in 2020, when the Bitcoin on it was valued at $75 million – a fraction of its current estimated worth. The value has increased dramatically over the years, adding to the intrigue and potential reward.
Trying Not to Think About It
In a 2022 interview with Business Insider, Howells admitted to trying not to dwell on the possibilities of what his share of the recovered fortune could bring, stating that it would “drive you crazy.”
Awaiting the Next Chapter
The fate of the $765 million Bitcoin hoard remains uncertain. Will Howells secure the necessary funding and permissions to undertake this unprecedented search? Only time will tell.
