Buryatia currently enforces a seasonal mining ban during the high winter demand period, from November 15 to March 15. The republic's government has supported making this ban year-round, citing a serious shortage of electrical capacity in the region. Previously, Russia's Energy Ministry indicated that, upon the governor's request, the government commission could consider imposing a permanent ban.
Current Mining Situation in Buryatia
Until now, restrictions operated seasonally to reduce load during winter months: the active ban period is November 15 to March 15. The republic's authorities have publicly supported the idea of a full-year ban as a measure to stabilize energy supply and use resources rationally. More details on the year-round ban format can be found in the article about the year-round ban.
Reasons for Introducing a Year-Round Ban
The main argument is the shortage of electrical capacity in the region, which affects not only Buryatia but neighboring territories as well. The Buryatia government directly links the need for the ban to the existing deficit and calls the ban one of the measures to stabilize the power system. Additionally, the ban is seen as a way to reduce non-critical energy consumption, including from mining, to free up resources for other needs.
Power Deficit in the Regions
Estimates show that in three nearby regions—Buryatia, Irkutsk Oblast, and Zabaykalsky Krai—the combined power deficit reaches nearly 3,000 MW. This explains why these regions are introducing or discussing stricter energy consumption restrictions. Regional measures also mention the situation in neighboring Irkutsk Oblast and the possible transition there to year-round restrictions, as reflected in separate articles about the ban in Irkutsk Oblast.
Effectiveness of the Mining Ban
Mining bans genuinely help reduce total energy consumption in deficit regions. As an example, data from Southeast Siberia show that energy consumption dropped by 9.2% from January to October 2025. This reduction is used to support restrictions as a measure to relieve the power system.
Why This Matters
If you mine in Buryatia, the current and proposed bans directly limit your equipment's operation: the seasonal ban already prohibits activity during winter, and support for a year-round ban means potential expansion of restrictions throughout the year. Even if you operate in neighboring regions, the overall power deficit and regional decisions may affect energy availability and reliability at your location.
What to Do?
For miners with 1–1000 devices, it’s useful to prepare in advance for restrictions and reduce downtime risks. Check exactly where your site is registered and what local rules are already in effect; plan downtime during ban periods if needed and optimize your equipment’s operating schedule. Also, keep in mind that the federal authority may consider permanent restrictions upon the governor’s request, so monitor official announcements from regional authorities and the Energy Ministry.
Quick Checklist for Miners
- Clarify the ban status at your equipment’s location and its active periods.
- Plan equipment operation considering seasonal shutdowns and possible ban extensions.
- Follow official updates from the region and Russia’s Energy Ministry.