Merge mining allows a miner to simultaneously mine two different cryptocurrencies without additional resource expenditure. This is particularly useful for smaller or newer coins that rely on the security of a more established blockchain.In this process, a miner can take the work done to mine the primary coin, such as Bitcoin, and use that same proof of work to also validate transactions on a secondary coin, like Namecoin. By doing so, the miner contributes to the security of both chains at once.Merge mining helps strengthen the smaller coin’s network, attracting more users and enhancing its overall robustness. It incentivizes miners to dedicate their resources to the secondary coin, thus promoting its growth and adoption without significant hurdles.Overall, merge mining serves as an innovative solution for increasing the security and viability of less popular cryptocurrencies while maximizing the efficiency of mining operations.