Authorities plan to impose a ban on cryptocurrency mining in two more Russian regions — specifically, the southern districts of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky. Previously, these areas had seasonal restrictions during winter from November to March, but now a year-round ban is being considered, potentially coming into effect in 2026. This initiative follows similar measures already implemented in neighboring territories.
What the Authorities Plan
It is reported that the restrictions in the new regions will target the southern districts of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky, where only temporary winter bans existed before. Currently, the transition to a year-round regime is under consideration — with a possible enforcement date set for 2026. Official details on implementation procedures and the exact list of affected areas have not yet been disclosed.
Background — What Has Already Happened in the Region
In May, similar restrictions began in the southern districts of Irkutsk region, leading to the redistribution of mining capacities to neighboring regions. At that time, according to Sergey Bezdelov, director of the Industrial Mining Association, many entrepreneurs relocated their data centers to Buryatia and Zabaykalsky. This migration altered the placement map of data centers in Eastern Siberia and the Far East, as previously covered in the article about the ban in Priangarye.
Market Participants’ Opinions
Sergey Bezdelov from the Industrial Mining Association believes the ban could harm AI development projects in the regions, since part of the data centers’ capacity is used not only for mining. "The ban is like surgery, whereas we advocate for some form of therapy," he said, noting that large miners already allocate approximately 10–20% of their data center capacity to AI projects. According to him, miners act as infrastructure leaders for AI development.
Another expert, Sergey Pushkarev, described the ban as predictable: in his view, large professional players were prepared for it, while home miners will face greater challenges. He also emphasized that climate affects profitability by no more than 5%, with electricity tariffs being the key factor for miners. In his comments, Pushkarev noted that once the ban is introduced, mining in these regions will at least be an administrative offense, so local home miners should exercise caution.
Impact on Local Economy and AI Projects
Restricting access to cheap electricity in southern districts may reduce the influx and placement of new mining capacities, affecting local infrastructure for AI projects as well. Bezdelov stated that part of the data centers’ server capacity is already dedicated to AI tasks, and the ban could diminish these resources in the affected territories. Meanwhile, Pushkarev said professional centers are generally prepared for these changes, with the main burden falling on private and home miners.
Economic motives are also part of the discussion: regions with limited industry receive electricity subsidies, and the government aims to direct capacity toward industrial development rather than mining, which creates few jobs and yields limited tax revenue. Thus, tariff issues and power allocation priorities are discussed as part of a broader energy policy approach.
Next Steps and Legal Framework
Tightening control over mining is included in the plan for structural changes in the Russian economy, with measures for stricter oversight of cryptocurrency mining. Possible actions include criminal liability for illegal crypto mining, which could be introduced by 2030. Simultaneously, legalization mechanisms through registries and disconnection procedures are being discussed, as Bezdelov mentioned regarding the need for audits of technical connections.
Why This Matters
If you mine cryptocurrencies in the southern districts of Buryatia or Zabaykalsky, the planned shift from seasonal to year-round bans could directly affect your operations. Even if you manage a small number of devices, the introduction of a permanent ban will change the legal status of mining in the region and, according to experts, may make mining at least an administrative violation. Understanding this risk will help you make timely decisions about capacity placement and accounting.
What to Do?
- Check your local jurisdiction: verify if your address falls within the southern districts where the ban is planned and monitor official announcements.
- Assess the risk of operating at your current location: if you are a home miner, consider that mining will become at least an administrative offense under the ban, and "it’s wiser not to engage in it," as Sergey Pushkarev advised.
- If you run a small or medium data center, consider relocation options and partnerships with operators in other regions; keep in mind that government policies on tariffs and power allocation priorities are changing the economics of placement.
- Follow developments on legalization and miner registries, as well as enforcement practices — this will help prepare for possible legal changes and procedures for disconnection or technical connection audits.
