---
entry: 'Merge Mining'
summary: 'The process of mining two or more blockchains at the same time'
terms: ["merge-mine", "merge-mining", "merged-mining","merge-mined"]
---

{% include disclaimer.html translated="no" translationOutdated="no" %}

### The Basics

Merge mining is the process of @mining two or more @blockchains at the same
time. Generally there is a parent @blockchain and an auxillary blockchain
both of which use the same proof of work algorithm. In most cases the
auxillary chain will have a lower difficulty than the parent block chain.

Merge mining can be used for securing a lower hashrate blockchain or
developing a @sidechain that does something different than the primary
chain.

Some examples that currently exist or are in development are: a blockchain
game [TownForge](https://townforge.net/about), digital assets platform
[Tari](https://www.tari.com/#what-is-tari), and a decentralized mining pool
(@P2Pool).