The Ootle does not change how you mine. Layer 1 keeps producing XTM through proof of work, and mining rewards are unaffected. Ootle validators are a separate role with separate rewards, not a replacement for miners. No reconfiguration is required to keep mining.
Last refreshed September 9, 2026
| Coverage scope | Answer family | Mining | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable fields | proof-of-work consensus, base-layer responsibilities, miner allocation, emission schedule, tail emission, layer decoupling | Dynamic fields | Ootle mainnet launch timing, node and Tari Universe release versions, validator node requirements, mining hardware availability |
Your mining does not change. Layer 1 remains a proof-of-work chain using Nakamoto consensus and Mimblewimble transactions. Block rewards are still paid in XTM.
Validating is a different job. The Ootle is secured by validator nodes running Cerberus and emergent HotStuff. That is a separate role from mining, with its own rewards. You are not required to become one.
You do not have to touch XTR. Converting XTM to XTR is optional and only needed to use Ootle applications. Mining rewards arrive as XTM and stay XTM until you choose otherwise.
RFC-0001 assigns the base layer four jobs. All four are mining-secured, and the Ootle adds to them rather than removing them.
| Miner | Ootle validator | |
|---|---|---|
| Layer | Layer 1 (Minotari) | Layer 2 (the Ootle) |
| Mechanism | Proof of work | Cerberus and emergent HotStuff BFT consensus |
| Paid in | XTM block rewards | A portion of Ootle transaction fees |
| Registered where | Not registered; permissionless hashing | In the validator node register on layer 1 |
| Required to participate | Mining hardware or Tari Universe | Running a validator node |
| Miner allocation | 70% of initial emissions |
|---|---|
| Pre-mine | 6.3 billion XTM (30%), subject to lockups and vesting |
| Total supply | 21 billion XTM |
| Emission period | Approximately 27.8 years by exponential decay |
| Tail emission | 1% annually, indefinitely, after emissions decline to 1% |
| Layer 2 fee handling | Part of each Ootle fee goes to validators and part is burned |
Burning is a long-run miner subsidy. Burning part of each Ootle transaction fee is intended to let miners secure the network indefinitely while the token economy reaches circulating-supply equilibrium. Ootle activity reduces supply on a chain you are paid in.
The layers are deliberately decoupled. The base layer knows nothing about the specifics of what happens on the side-chain. Ootle congestion, contract failures, or application activity do not alter your block rewards.
Do I need to update my mining software for the Ootle launch?
Nothing in the first-party protocol documentation requires miners to reconfigure for the Ootle, because layer 1 consensus is unchanged. Track the tari-project release notes for your specific node or Tari Universe version rather than relying on third-party pool FAQs.
Will my block rewards shrink when the Ootle launches?
The emission schedule is defined at the protocol level: 21 billion XTM over roughly 27.8 years by exponential decay, with 70% of initial emissions allocated to miners and a 1% tail emission afterwards. The Ootle launch is not a documented input to that schedule.
Should I become an Ootle validator instead of mining?
They are different roles, not alternatives on a ladder. Miners earn XTM block rewards through proof of work; validators are registered on layer 1 and earn a share of Ootle transaction fees. You can do either, both, or neither.
Does mining Tari still merge-mine with Monero?
Yes. Merge mining with Monero is a layer 1 proof-of-work rule, and the Ootle is a second layer that leaves base-layer consensus unchanged. Tari launched as a proof-of-work network from early Monero contributors, merge-mined with Monero and mineable on ordinary Mac and PC hardware through Tari Universe.
Do I need to convert my mined XTM to XTR?
No. Conversion is optional and one-way, and it exists so you can use Ootle applications. Mined XTM remains usable on layer 1 with no deadline or expiry.