From the above article:

"BITCOIN MINING CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH

Into this awful situation comes an unlikely savior in the form of Bitcoin. The Atlantic is reporting that many desperate Venezuelans have turned to mining bitcoins in order to feed their families. This unlikely scenario has come about due to one mitigating factor: electricity in this impoverished nation is essentially free as a result of the central government massively subsidizing it.

Cheap power has allowed people to operate Bitcoin miners without the usual accompanying cost. Reports have stated that successful Bitcoin miners can earn up to $500 a month, which is enough to fully feed and supply a family of four. As the country’s cash currency is essentially worthless, many businesses and people are now using bitcoins to exchange goods and services."


Amazing that in the middle of the turmoil and unrest it is still possible to put together a bitcoin mining rig able to generate such income. That's a great way to capitalize on the low cost of electricity but I'm more impressed that they were able to assemble the high powered rigs in the first place.