A complete ban on cryptocurrency mining may be introduced in two regions of Russia

Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Evgeny Grabchak reported that the department has developed legal measures to completely ban mining in Transbaikalia and the Republic of Buryatia. According to him, the decision was made at the request of regions facing a shortage of electricity in the general energy system of Eastern Siberia.

"We have heard the requests of the regions and will introduce a ban not only in the southern part of the Irkutsk region, but also in Transbaikalia and Buryatia. These territories are located in a single energy zone, where the energy deficit affects all three subjects," Grabchak said in the podcast "What will happen to mining in Russia?"

Previously, the authorities considered restrictions on cryptocurrency mining only during periods of peak energy consumption in spring and autumn. However, new amendments made to the regulations in March 2025 allow for a complete ban on mining regardless of the season. This is due to a persistent shortage of power in the region caused by the growing load on the power grid. Grabchak also clarified that mining will remain possible subject to one condition: the use of autonomous energy sources not connected to the central grid. For example, miners can use associated petroleum gas, which otherwise goes into the flare.

“If a company builds an isolated energy facility, for example, based on gas from oil production, it can continue to mine cryptocurrency,” he explained.

Previously, local authorities in Buryatia and Transbaikalia advocated for increased control due to overloading of power grids, especially in the context of tariff regulation and growing demand for electricity.

Let us recall that on April 7, the Russian government approved a resolution introducing a complete ban on cryptocurrency mining in the south of the Irkutsk region. The new restrictions will be in effect until March 15, 2031.