A miner is a piece of computer hardware that performs complex calculations to validate transactions and secure cryptocurrency networks. This process is called mining and rewards miners with cryptocurrency units. Mining is a critical component of cryptocurrency operations, ensuring transaction integrity while also providing a way for miners to actively participate in the crypto system.

Why are miners important for the survival of Bitcoin and Ethereum, for example? Without active miners in the network, no transactions could be processed. After all, it is the miners who keep the entire blockchain running and stable. It is important that as many miners as possible are online in different locations around the world. This is the only way to ensure that the blockchain is truly decentralized and the network's security is guaranteed. Thus, every miner can be considered an important part of a vast network that not only earns money but also actively supports this network.

Miners verify the transactions in the corresponding network and place them into a new block. The mining pool that completes (calculates) the block first is rewarded with a new coin. The mining pool then distributes the proceeds among the individual parties based on their computing power. Thus, it is the miners who complete the blockchain (using proof of work) with further "blocks."