Bitcoin developer Cory Fields has proposed Quantum Mines, a defensive concept that would require suspected quantum attackers to post matching bitcoin collateral and face a dispute process. Decrypt reported the proposal on Nov. 8 after it was discussed on the Bitcoin developer mailing list. The idea remains a thought experiment, with no implementation code or formal adoption plan. Quantum computers could theoretically use Shor's algorithm to derive private keys from exposed public keys, placing older wallets with revealed public keys at greater risk. Before a potential quantum threat, users would register private information in a quantum-safe wallet to establish ownership without revealing whether a proof exists. In Fields's example, moving 1 BTC from a protected wallet would require an additional 1 BTC deposit, locking 2 BTC during a 30-day objection period. If the original owner presents the registered proof, both amounts would move to the owner's quantum-safe address, leaving the attacker with a loss. Fields also proposed a pre-deposit auction and a Sats auction for vulnerable wallets that are abandoned or difficult to identify. The mechanisms are intended to remove the economic incentive for theft, but legitimate users could also need matching collateral after Q-day. Implementing the system would require changes to Bitcoin's consensus rules, including support for hidden ownership proofs, collateral, waiting periods, objections and recovery transactions. No such protections are currently active on the Bitcoin network.