Russia Institutes Partial Ban on Crypto Mining to Control Energy Use, Tass Reports

The Russian government imposed a six-year ban on crypto mining in 10 regions due to the industry’s high power consumption, Tass reported.

The ban, which includes participation in a mining pool and temporary restrictions in other regions during periods of peak demand, takes effect Jan. 1 and ends March 15, 2031, Tass said, citing a decision by the Council of Ministers.

The country legalized crypto mining in July, with the law taking effect last month. Russia bans the use of cryptocurrencies as legal tender for regular payments internally, but does allow cross-border payments with crypto in an attempt to evade sanctions imposed after it invaded Ukraine.

The regions affected by the ban include Dagestan, North Ossetia and Chechnya, and can be altered depending on a government commission examining changes in energy demand.

The ban also takes into account inter-regional subsidies on electricity that make it cheaper to use power in some regions.