The Russian federal government is considering a year-round ban on cryptocurrency mining in the Republic of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai (also known as Transbaikal), shifting from current seasonal restrictions that apply only during fall and winter months. This potential permanent prohibition was announced by the Ministry of Energy during a Federation Council meeting, with Deputy Director Olga Arutyunova stating, "We are monitoring the situation there. If necessary, we will respond promptly and ban crypto mining."
Both regions share an interconnected power distribution network with Irkutsk Oblast, where crypto mining has been completely restricted until spring 2031. The move is driven by electricity shortages and frequent grid breakdowns exacerbated by the rapid growth of mining operations since Russia legalized the activity in 2024. Registered miners must declare hardware and pay taxes, but the industry's expansion has led to power deficits in about a dozen regions, prompting local authorities to impose temporary or permanent bans with federal approval.
In July, Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov proposed legislative amendments to reallocate generation capacities from mining companies to other users, and regulations are being drafted to classify crypto farms as low-priority consumers, allowing remote disconnection during power shortages. Despite legalization, miners face negative public perception, as noted by Anton Gorelkin of the State Duma, who emphasized that "the image of miners is negative" and urged them to prove their economic value. Conversely, some officials, like Aisen Nikolayev, highlight mining's potential to develop remote economies, such as in Yakutia, by utilizing stranded energy resources.
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