Bitcoin mining is the process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain by solving complex mathematical problems using powerful computers. Miners compete to solve these problems, and the first one to succeed gets to add a new block to the blockchain. In return, they receive a reward in the form of newly minted bitcoins and transaction fees.

It requires specialized hardware (like ASIC miners) and consumes a lot of electricity. As more miners join the network, the difficulty increases, making mining more competitive and less profitable for individual miners.