James Howells is pursuing a plan to excavate a landfill in South Wales to recover a hard drive containing a Bitcoin key, which he estimates is worth around $800 million. His proposal involves using A.I.-trained detection technology and a backup magnetic belt to locate the drive, which he accidentally discarded in 2013.
For over a decade, Howells has sought permission from the Newport City Council to access the landfill, where he believes the hard drive is buried. Despite securing a data recovery firm and an excavator, the council has consistently denied his requests, citing the high costs associated with excavation and claiming ownership of the hard drive.
Howells' situation stems from a miscommunication during a cleanup in 2013, leading to the hard drive being thrown away along with other trash. He later discovered that the drive contained the only copy of his Bitcoin wallet's private key, which had significantly increased in value since its disposal.
Despite his offers to share the Bitcoin fortune with the city, the council remains unyielding. A recent court ruling supported the council's stance, stating that Howells' efforts to recover the hard drive had "no realistic prospect of succeeding." The council has also announced plans to close the landfill, further complicating Howells' quest.
Experts in cryptocurrency have noted that Howells' experience reflects a broader trend in the industry, where poor decisions can lead to substantial losses. Critics have labeled his pursuit as a futile endeavor, questioning the feasibility of recovering a 12-year-old hard drive.
Howells remains determined, arguing that the potential value of the hard drive justifies the effort to search for it. He has proposed purchasing the landfill as a solution that could benefit both him and the city, although the council has not indicated any willingness to consider his offer.
In light of the ongoing challenges, Howells continues to advocate for his proposal, hoping to find a resolution that allows him to recover his lost asset.