In 2025, the number of mining farms in Russia increased by approximately 44%, reaching 196.9 thousand sites. This rapid expansion is accompanied by a shift in the market structure: mining has become more transparent to investors and attracts large companies and funds, while energy companies and authorities are paying closer attention.
Growth of the Mining Industry in Russia
Monitoring systems like MTS EnergyTool record an increase in the number of facilities and detect significant unaccounted loads on the network. The largest number of mining farms is registered in the Irkutsk and Novosibirsk regions, as well as in Bashkortostan, indicating regional concentration of capacities and the use of infrastructure solutions in certain parts of the country.
Reasons for Growth and Industry Changes
The growth is explained by mining gaining official status and becoming attractive to institutional investors, which changes the format of sites and the scale of investments. At the same time, energy companies note an increase in illegal mining, creating additional network loads that require targeted restrictions and monitoring.
Regulation and Restrictions
Authorities are discussing a transition from seasonal restrictions to a permanent ban on cryptocurrency mining in the southern areas of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai starting in 2026, citing energy system overloads. Industry representatives warn that such measures could worsen the investment climate and force some infrastructure to relocate to other regions, while federal policy still focuses on regulating and legalizing industrial mining rather than a complete ban.
Economic Significance of Mining
At the federal level, mining is considered a significant economic factor: mined crypto assets are referred to as part of hidden exports, and their inclusion in foreign economic settlements and official statistics is being discussed. This highlights regulators' efforts to incorporate the industry within existing economic frameworks.
Why This Matters
Whether you operate from one to a thousand devices, the growth in mining farms and tightening controls may affect electricity availability and tariff conditions in certain regions. The proposed bans in southern Buryatia and Zabaykalsky directly impact miners operating there and could lead to forced equipment shutdowns or site relocations.
Even if you mine in other regions, increased monitoring and crackdowns on illegal loads mean energy companies will pay closer attention to large and unusual consumers. As a result, stricter requirements for consumption accounting and transparency of capacity placement are to be expected.
What to Do?
Take action in three simple areas to reduce risks and prepare for regulatory changes:
- Verify site compliance with requirements and documentation: ensure electricity consumption accounting and contracts with energy suppliers are in order to avoid claims from networks.
- Assess geographic risk: if operating in southern Buryatia or Zabaykalsky, consider relocation options or temporarily shutting down equipment if bans are implemented.
- Monitor reporting: prepare data on consumption and equipment operation modes to reduce the likelihood of shutdowns and help demonstrate the legality of your activities to suppliers and authorities.
For a deeper understanding of unaccounted loads and tax implications, see the article on gray mining. For insights on actual electricity consumption by mining, refer to the article on mining electricity consumption. If you are concerned about the connection between mining and overall energy shortages, consult the material on electricity shortages and assessments by relevant agencies.
