Russia Expands Crypto Mining Bans Amid Energy Shortages
Russia's Ministry of Energy has proposed year-round cryptocurrency mining bans in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai, expanding existing seasonal restrictions. The move comes as electricity shortages plague Siberia's power grid, exacerbated by the industry's rapid growth since mining was legalized in 2024.
Deputy Director Olga Arutyunova confirmed active monitoring of both regions during a Federation Council meeting. "We will respond promptly and ban crypto mining if necessary," she stated, signaling Moscow's tightening grip on energy-intensive operations. The affected territories share infrastructure with Irkutsk Oblast, where mining remains prohibited until 2031.
This regulatory crackdown contrasts with Russia's earlier embrace of crypto mining, now colliding with regional capacity limits. The bans target periods of peak demand, but permanent restrictions WOULD eliminate mining's economic viability in these resource-rich regions.
