Image Credit: fortitudemining.com
Zcash-focused crypto miner Fortitude Mining has appointed former Hut 8 chief executive Jaime Leverton as CEO, effective Sept. 21. Leverton will take over as the company prepares for a proposed business combination that would bring Fortitude to Nasdaq under the ticker TUDE.
Leverton Replaces Founding CEO Andrea Childs
Leverton will succeed Andrea Childs, Fortitude’s founding CEO, who will move into the chief operating officer role. Fortitude said Leverton is expected to remain CEO of the combined company if its transaction with HeartSciences closes as planned. Leverton said the company’s mining operations, power access and infrastructure attracted her to the role.
“I have spent my career at the intersection of digital assets, infrastructure, and the public markets, and I am honored to lead this team at such a consequential moment for the Company.”
Fortitude Prepares for HeartSciences Combination
Fortitude agreed in June to combine with Nasdaq-listed medical technology company HeartSciences in an all-stock transaction. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to closing conditions including HeartSciences shareholder approval.
The combined company is expected to operate under the Fortitude name and trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market as TUDE, subject to exchange approval. Digital Currency Group is expected to retain majority voting control of the combined company after closing.
Fortitude Builds Around Zcash Mining
Fortitude operates across Proof-of-Work mining but has focused much of its current business on Zcash (ZEC). Fortitude said its 72,696 ZEC mined during the first half of 2026 represented about 28% of Zcash network production over the period.
In the second quarter, Fortitude reported $20.9 million in revenue and mined about 33,646 ZEC. It controlled more than 60 MW of power capacity across seven sites as of June 30.
Mining Fleet Is Set to Expand
Fortitude signed agreements with Bitmain in May for 9,000 Antminer Z15 Pro machines, representing about 7.56 GSol/s of additional Equihash mining capacity. Shipments are expected during the fourth quarter.
The company has also expanded its physical infrastructure, including facilities in Nebraska. Its model combines hardware procurement, power contracts, data centers, maintenance, and mining operations within the same business.
Leverton Returns to Crypto Mining Leadership
Leverton previously led Hut 8 through its merger with US Bitcoin Corp., completed in November 2023. Hut 8 replaced her with Asher Genoot in February 2024 after the board said the combined company was ready for a new strategic direction.
Her appointment gives Fortitude a leader with prior experience running a publicly traded crypto miner as it works toward becoming Nasdaq-listed through the HeartSciences combination. The transaction remains pending and is subject to closing conditions.
