Blockchain company Bitfury announced the launch of a new crypto-mining data center in Ontario, Canada. The new mining center adds to the list of existing Canadian sites, which currently operate in Drumheller, Alberta and Medicine Hat.

Bitfury's new crypto mining facility in Ontario is expected to operate at 16 megawatts by the end of this month.

According to the announcement, Bitfury has plans to add 12 MW capacity in the coming months, which will bring up the total capacity of the mining facility to 28 MW by May end. However, the company highlighted that the facility could be potentially upgraded to operate at 200 MW, over seven times the current capacity.

Located in the city of Sarnia, the site is equipped with Bitfury’s in-house ASIC mining chips and other proprietary hardware and software. All of Bitfury’s Canadian crypto mining facilities heavily rely on Canada’s cold climate for sustainable and efficient operations.

Citing the commencement of operations, Oleg Blinkov, Bitfury’s head of data center development and operation, said:

“North America continues to represent an attractive, strategic market for Bitfury and digital asset mining at large, and we are excited to deepen our presence here and around the world.”

Back in October, Bitfury co-founder and CEO Valery Vavilov told Cointelegraph about his plans for considering an initial public offering to fast-track the company’s global growth:

“As Bitfury and its portfolio of companies continue their global expansion in the digital assets space, Bitfury will be considering an IPO as part of its broader expansion and growth plans.”

Related: Canadian MP introduces bill aimed at encouraging growth in crypto sector

Earlier this month, Michelle Rempel Garner, a member of the House of Commons of Canada, introduced a bill recommending a framework to encourage growth in crypto.

“The framework must, among other things, focus on lowering barriers to entry into the crypto asset sector while protecting those working in the sector and minimizing the administrative burden,” Garner said in the proposal.