James Howells, a 39-year-old from Newport, has spent over a decade trying to recover a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin—now worth £600 million—that was accidentally sent to landfill in 2013. After a failed High Court case to force Newport Council to permit excavation of the site, Howells is now pursuing a bold new plan.
In 2009, Howells mined Bitcoin when it held little value, storing the private key on a hard drive. After it was mistakenly discarded, he watched the cryptocurrency's value skyrocket. Over the years, he proposed a £10 million excavation plan, backed by investors and environmental experts, offering the council 10% of the Bitcoin’s value.
Newport Council rejected the plan, citing environmental risks, regulations, and practicality. Howells’ legal bid for excavation or £495 million in damages was dismissed. Judge Keyser KC ruled the case had “no realistic prospect” of success, though he acknowledged Howells’ ownership of the Bitcoin itself, even if the hard drive is council property.
Turning to tokenisation
Howells admits the new plan won’t recover his full fortune but sees it as a proactive step. “It’s a small win, but better than just staring at the Bitcoin I can’t access,” he said. While names like “Bin Coin” have been suggested in jest, he prefers "Ceiniog Coin," honoring his Welsh roots.
Though the Bitcoin remains buried, Howells’ innovative approach may finally turn his misfortune into a new chapter in cryptocurrency history.
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