TLDR
- Russia says no new mining bans as officials confirm no governor requests.
- Current bans cover 10 regions labeled energy-deficient until spring 2031.
- Some Russian regions have withdrawn mining ban requests after 2025 talks.
- Mining firms pledge tax payments and AI support as Moscow favors growth.
Russia has confirmed that it will not introduce new cryptocurrency mining bans, despite speculation about further restrictions in several regions. Officials say the national power grid is handling demand, and no regional governors have asked for additional measures.
Energy ministry reassures miners and regions
The Russian Ministry of Energy has ruled out introducing new cryptocurrency mining bans in the near future. Andrei Maksimov, who heads the Electric Power Development Department, confirmed the decision during comments reported by RBC.
Maksimov explained that Moscow has not received any new requests from regional governors for restrictions. He also emphasized that the national grid is currently managing mining-related energy demands. “Since there are no shortages, there is no reason to impose restrictions. Our energy system is, generally, operating well,” Maksimov said.
Officials say that regions with surplus power resources have been instructed to cooperate with industrial mining operators. In exchange, large mining companies have agreed to declare their earnings, pay taxes, and even contribute computing resources for national artificial intelligence projects.
Existing bans remain in energy-deficient areas
While Moscow is holding back from further restrictions, earlier bans remain in place. In early 2025, the government prohibited mining in 10 Russian regions and Russia-controlled territories deemed “energy-deficient.” These bans are scheduled to last until the spring of 2031. Initially, the restrictions applied only during winter months, when heating demands strain local grids.
However, in some regions, including parts of the North Caucasus and Russia-controlled areas of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, the bans were expanded to year-round enforcement. The Irkutsk oblast also saw a permanent ban in its southern region after Governor Igor Kobzev requested federal support to stabilize power use.
Shifting regional positions on restrictions
For much of 2025, political debate centered on whether Moscow would impose a second wave of mining bans. Authorities in Buryatia, Transbaikal, Khakassia, Karelia, and Penza submitted formal requests for restrictions after reporting grid stress and illegal mining operations.
Yet, the national stance has shifted in recent months. The Karelia, Khakassia, and Penza regions have since withdrawn their requests, citing stable energy conditions. Decisions on Buryatia and Transbaikal have been postponed, with federal officials opting for closer monitoring instead of immediate bans.
Despite these withdrawals, energy-related tensions remain. Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said in August that crypto mining had caused shortages in the Yamal Peninsula and claimed that the Siberian Federal District faced a 1.2 GW power deficit. Local leaders, however, maintain that the region has a power surplus, showing growing divisions between federal and regional authorities.
Industry seeks regulation and growth
Russian mining firms have pushed for a stable policy environment. They claim the industry is now the second largest globally after the United States, driven by cheap energy and access to infrastructure. Companies argue that further bans would hurt growth, while regulation would allow them to contribute to the national economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has asked the Ministry of Energy to design a special category of energy consumption for miners. This would create a framework where companies could be required to reduce consumption automatically during peak demand. Lawmakers are also considering bills to classify mining as an official industrial activity, with rules for taxation and registration.
Industry leaders have indicated a willingness to comply with regulations if it ensures long-term operational certainty. At the same time, regional disputes show that energy use remains a sensitive issue, especially in Siberia and remote territories where infrastructure is weaker.
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