Minting CBTC
This guide covers how to mint CBTC (Canton Bitcoin) by depositing native Bitcoin. CBTC is minted via the BitSafe Attestor Network, a decentralized network that monitors Bitcoin deposits and automatically mints CBTC to your Canton party. You do not need to run an attestor yourself.
Integration Options
You can mint CBTC either through the BitSafe web application (no code required) or programmatically using the cbtc-lib Rust library.
Web Application: Use the BitSafe app to initiate deposits and monitor minting status
cbtc-lib (Rust): A library of helper functions for minting, burning, and transferring CBTC on Canton. See cbtc-lib
For full installation instructions, environment configuration, and code examples, see the cbtc-lib README on GitHub.
Prerequisites
A Bitcoin wallet that supports Taproot (P2TR) addresses
A Canton Network participant node
Sufficient BTC for the deposit plus network fees
A valid credential issued by your account manager
For programmatic minting: the CBTC Minting App DAR files installed on your participant node. See the cbtc-lib Installation Guide
Minting Flow
Step 1: Create a Deposit Account — Use the BitSafe app or
cbtc-lib'smint_redeem::mint::create_deposit_account()to create a deposit account. You will receive a unique BTC deposit address (Taproot/P2TR).Step 2: Send Bitcoin — Send BTC to the provided deposit address from your Bitcoin wallet.
Step 3: Wait for Confirmations — The BitSafe Attestor Network monitors your deposit address and waits for 6+ Bitcoin block confirmations.
Step 4: Automatic Minting — Once confirmations are received, the attestor network verifies the deposit and automatically mints the equivalent CBTC to your Canton party. No action is required from you at this step.
Step 5: Verify Balance — Check your CBTC balance on your Canton participant node.
Environment Configuration
Configure your environment to point to the correct BitSafe API:
Environment
BITSAFE_API_URL
Devnet
https://api.devnet.bitsafe.finance
Testnet
https://api.testnet.bitsafe.finance
Mainnet
https://api.mainnet.bitsafe.finance
Developer Resources
Important Notes
Each CBTC is backed 1:1 by Bitcoin held in decentralized custody
The minting process typically completes within minutes after 6 Bitcoin confirmations
You do not need to run an attestor. The BitSafe Attestor Network handles all verification and minting automatically
Deposits are subject to per-account limits - 0.0001 BTC minimum and 5 BTC maximum by default, adjustable on request. See CBTC Minting and Burning for details
Last updated