Starting January 1, 2025, Russia will implement a six-year ban on cryptocurrency mining in 10 regions, citing energy concerns. These restrictions will last until March 15, 2031, as reported by TASS.
Full Mining Bans in Key Areas
The ban targets regions like:
Dagestan
Ingushetia
Kabardino-Balkaria
Karachay-Cherkessia
North Ossetia
Chechnya
Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics
Zaporizhzhia and Kherson
The prohibition applies to both large-scale mining pools and individual miners.
Seasonal Restrictions in Siberia
In addition to the outright bans, three Siberian regions—Irkutsk, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky—will face seasonal mining restrictions during winter.
2025 Restrictions: January 1 to March 15
Future Years: November 15 to March 15
These measures aim to prevent energy shortages during peak consumption periods.
Adjusted Policies for Key Mining Hubs
Initial proposals included a mining ban in 13 regions, including Irkutsk, a major hub for crypto mining due to its low electricity costs. However, the final policy allows mining to continue in Irkutsk with seasonal restrictions, preserving its role as a critical mining center.
BitRiver, a leading mining firm with significant operations in Irkutsk, declined to comment on how these changes might affect its business.