Payment processing firm Block Inc. has hired former Argo Blockchain PLC chief technology officer Perry Hothi as chief technology officer to help grow its bitcoin mining division, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Hothi will advise the new division while considering initiatives ranging from designing bitcoin mining equipment, integration between wallets and mining services, to energy management. Block CEO Jack Dorsey said in October last year that the company was considering building a bitcoin mining system based on custom silicon and open source for individuals and businesses around the world.