Users can operate a node by minting an NFT that represents their status as a miner. A fixed amount of TGEN is needed to mint the NFT, which gets locked in the NFT until the user no longer wishes to operate a node. Part of the locked TGEN is returned to the protocol if the miner misses an interval, creating a disincentive for poor performance. If the locked TGEN falls below a certain threshold, the miner will no longer be able to mine.