A UK High Court judge has dismissed James Howells’ attempt to sue Newport City Council regarding a hard drive reportedly containing approximately 7,500 Bitcoin — an asset that could now be valued at nearly $600 million. Howells, who mined Bitcoin back in 2009, forgot about the hard drive until his former partner discarded it in 2013.

“It’s not about greed, I’m happy to share the proceeds but nobody in a position of power will have a decent conversation with me.”

With the Bitcoin market booming, Howells sought permission to access the landfill where he believes the hard drive is buried, even offering to share 25% of its worth if allowed to search for it. However, the court ruled against him, stating there was no realistic chance of success if the case were to proceed.

In an emotional response, Howells expressed disappointment, saying: “This ruling has taken everything from me and left me with nothing. It’s the great British injustice system striking again.”

Newport City Council, represented by James Goudie, contended that the hard drive became council property upon disposal and highlighted potential environmental hazards if the site were excavated to recover it, given that it contains over 1.4 million tonnes of waste.

Ultimately, while Howells believes the hard drive’s location is within 100,000 tonnes of waste, the odds of recovering it intact seem slim.