The global supply chains are increasingly risky and complex. Our business relies on cryptocurrency-specific hardware such as the Miners, and containers in which to operate the Miners, and also more general plant and equipment such transformers, breakers, power boards exhaust fans, deflectors, monitoring equipment and many other parts. If we are unable to procure such hardware, or replacement parts (at commercial prices, or at all), or they are delayed, our operations may be adversely affected which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If the manufacturers of such hardware are unable to obtain materials or components themselves, they may experience manufacturing delays or have to cease manufacturing altogether. Supply chain disruptions may also occur from time to time due to a range of factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, increased costs of labor, freight costs and raw material prices along with a shortage of qualified workers.
There are a small number of major suppliers of Miners globally, and Miner manufacturing is located primarily in China. If we, or our customers, were unable to source Miners from those suppliers (for example due to overwhelming global demand for Miners, or due to geopolitical tensions, or war) at a commercial price, or at all, this would have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Even if the suppliers have agreed to supply us with miners, they may fail to supply the Miners due to their inability to manufacture sufficient Miners due to a shortage of components or resources such as semiconductors, a default, insolvency, a change in control, or change of laws (including export/import restrictions, quotas or tariffs).
Trade policies such as export/import restrictions, quotas or tariffs may reduce the ability of our suppliers to supply us with Miners or create a shortage or lack of components necessary for their manufacture or repair. The government of the People's Republic of China in particular exerts a high level of influence and control over its economy and businesses (private and state owned). There have been various examples of government policies, decisions, laws and intervention into particular industries. Changes in any of these policies, laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof, as they relate to the mining hardware suppliers, could have a negative impact on our business.
Additionally, if our electricity suppliers are negatively affected by the international supply chain issues, they may not be able to maintain or grow their facilities and may not be able to supply us with power, or we may be unable to source extra power in the future to enable our growth. This would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Such supply chain disruptions have the potential to cause material impacts to our operating performance and financial position if the delivery of equipment for our facilities is delayed.