• Russia bans crypto mining in 10 regions from Jan 2025 to prevent energy blackouts, effective until 2031.
  • Seasonal crypto mining restrictions will apply in Siberia’s Irkutsk, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky during peak winters.
  • Key mining hubs like Irkutsk remain operational, safeguarding major players like BitRiver from full restrictions.

The Russian government has banned mining of cryptocurrencies in ten regions of the country for the next six years starting from January 1, 2025. This decision has been made to tackle increasing energy issues and possible shortage of power as a result of mining expatriates. The ban has been imposed until March 15, 2031.

Blanket Bans and Seasonal Restrictions

The complete ban on mining will affect the areas such as Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Large mining pools and solo miners will be prohibited from directly running these places.

In addition to the blanket ban, the government introduced seasonal restrictions in three Siberian regions: Irkutsk, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky. These regions will face partial mining restrictions during winter months to manage peak electricity consumption. From January 1 to March 15, 2025, operations will be curtailed. There is also an extended restriction period from November 15 to March 15 in subsequent years.

Adjustments to Previous Plans

The latest policy represents a refined version of earlier proposals. Initially, lawmakers considered banning mining in 13 regions. This includes Irkutsk, which is known for its cheap electricity and serves as a hub for major mining operations.

Key industry players, such as BitRiver, rely heavily on the Irkutsk region’s affordable energy supply. The region hosts one of BitRiver’s largest data centers, which began operations in 2019 in Bratsk. While the seasonal restrictions present challenges, they still allow mining activity outside peak energy demand periods.

Energy and Economic Considerations

The government’s decision reflects an effort to balance energy stability with economic benefits from cryptocurrency mining. By implementing seasonal controls rather than a complete ban in critical regions, authorities aim to sustain mining’s economic contributions. This move avoids energy crises.

Industry experts predict these measures may push smaller operations out of restricted zones, while larger players might consolidate their activities in permitted regions. The long-term impact on Russia’s crypto mining sector remains uncertain, as operators adjust to the new regulatory framework.

The Russian government’s strategy underscores a growing global trend of regulating cryptocurrency mining. This helps to address environmental and energy challenges while maintaining economic opportunities.

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