Zcash (ZEC) has surged roughly 400% over the past month, pushing prices toward levels last seen in 2021. The rally has revived debate over the network’s decentralization after hashrate trackers showed a single mining pool controlling about 51% of Zcash’s compute power.
ZEC’s sharp advance has drawn fresh attention to the privacy-focused cryptocurrency, with traders noting the move put the asset within reach of price zones from the 2021 cycle. While the momentum has energized market sentiment, it has also spotlighted concentration risks in Zcash’s proof-of-work mining.
Data on hashrate distribution indicates that ViaBTC currently accounts for around 51% of Zcash’s total mining power. Although majority control does not automatically imply malicious intent, a single pool holding more than half of a network’s hashrate can theoretically enable chain reorganizations or double-spend attacks, underscoring the importance of miner distribution across multiple pools.
Mining pools and participants often respond to such imbalances by redistributing hashrate or imposing self-limits to reduce centralization risk. Market observers will be watching whether Zcash’s hashrate evens out in the days ahead and whether the price move sustains as the network’s security dynamics evolve.
As ZEC tests price areas last visited in 2021, the key factors to watch are the durability of the rally and any shifts in mining distribution that could strengthen the network’s resilience.