Bitcoin Bull Market May Drive Russian Miners Underground

CN
11 hours ago

The landscape for bitcoin mining in Russia has completely changed following the enactment of the recent bitcoin mining framework, which gives the government the authority to limit activity in certain regions.

Read more: Russia’s Sweeping Crypto Mining Regulations Take Effect, Setting Strict New Rules

The confirmation of a seasonal ban for crypto mining activities in some regions, including Irkutsk, Buryatia, Transbaikal, Karachay-Circassia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Donetsk, and Lugansk People’s Republics, might give origin to illicit mining activities, given the recent hike in bitcoin prices. This might disrupt the energy supply of these regions, which are among the ones predicted to face power difficulties in the future.

Read more: 13 Regions Face Crypto Mining Ban Under Russia’s New Energy Policies

According to experts, there is a good chance that a significant number of mining companies will continue operating during these ban periods, undermining the purpose of the measure. Deputy chairman of the State Duma’s energy committee Yury Stankevich acknowledged this would happen “as long as mining remains profitable for most participants.” “Remember, Bitcoin reached an all-time high in November, climbing to $90,000,” he noted.

Energy think tank director Sergey Sasim agreed with Stankevich’s point of view, noting that if regions cannot enforce the ban, it could lead to the development of a gray mining industry, similar to what has occurred in other countries with similar restrictions.

President Putin has recognized the relevance of cryptocurrency mining activities, classifying Russia as “one of the world leaders in mining” due to the energy surplus of the Siberia region. Nonetheless, he added that while mining was significant, the strategic use of Russian energy for other essential productive activities in the country was “perhaps more important.”

Read more: Putin Acknowledges Russia as a Bitcoin Mining Leader; 54,000 BTC Mined in 2023

These restrictions, approved by Russia’s governmental commission on electricity development, will begin being applied on Dec. 1 and will limit mining in the mentioned regions from Nov. 15 to March 15 annually at least until 2031.

免责声明:本文章仅代表作者个人观点,不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享,不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议,与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权,请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com,本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。

Share To
APP

X

Telegram

Facebook

Reddit

CopyLink