Mining will be banned year-round in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai starting 2026
The government plans to implement a year-round ban on cryptocurrency mining in southern Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai starting in 2026. This is based on a draft protocol from the government commission meeting on energy development held on December 10.
This was reported by Russian propaganda media
Previously, restrictions were only in place during the winter peak season—from November 15 to March 15. Although no legally operating cryptocurrency mining organizations exist in these regions, the government began considering this measure as early as spring. The southern areas of Zabaykalsky Krai, Irkutsk Oblast, and Buryatia are connected to the southeastern part of the Unified Energy System of Siberia. A similar year-round ban has already been enacted in southern Irkutsk Oblast, where mining load disconnections amounted to 320 MW. The Ministry of Energy stated that these restrictions aim to conserve energy resources.
Thus, the introduction of a full-year ban may significantly reduce the regional energy grid load, which is crucial for stable power supply. In the coming years, increased oversight of such activities and strengthened energy-saving measures are expected.
