Crypto mining uses powerful computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles, competing to validate and package new transactions into a "block." The first miner to solve the puzzle adds the block to the public ledger (blockchain) and earns newly created cryptocurrency plus transaction fees. This proof-of-work system secures the network by making it extremely costly to alter any past transaction records.

Profit in crypto mining is generated when the revenue from mined coins exceeds your total operating costs. Revenue comes from block rewards (newly created crypto) plus transaction fees from the transactions you include in the block.