At a round table dedicated to the effective use of energy resources, the authorities of the Irkutsk region sharply criticized the mining industry. Regional government chairman Konstantin Zaitsev stated that he sees neither tax benefits nor prospects in it, comparing crypto mining to a 'digital financial pyramid' and an 'economic drug.'
The main reason for the restrictions is the electricity deficit during frosts, which forced manual shutdown of enterprises. The mining ban was supposed to solve the problem, but it turned out to be ineffective: the freed capacities cannot be redistributed. Authorities are hoping for new TPP-11 units in Usolye-Sibirskoye, but their launch is scheduled only for 2028.
Zaitsev proposed that miners build their own generation and also give energy engineers the right to regulate their connection. He also expressed doubts about the tax contributions of the industry, promising to check the payments of companies operating in the north of the region.
Representatives of the energy sector proposed creating a fourth reliability category for mining to disconnect them during overloads. Scientists from ISEM even suggested preferential tariffs for 'white' miners willing to voluntarily reduce consumption.
Vladimir Golovshchikov from ISEM called mining a 'temporary phenomenon' and reminded of its ban in China. He urged linking the industry's development with new generation plans and waiting for a clear position in the governor's message on April 25.
Representatives of the crypto industry tried to prove that the industry is beneficial. Dmitry Zuev (SitbStroyCapital) reminded that the president called mining a priority direction since cryptocurrency allows bypassing sanctions. Taxes, according to him, are still small but may increase in the future.
BitRiver (the largest data center in Bratsk) is confident that the future lies in industrial mining, which is easier to control. They predict that the industry will be fully legalized within six months.
Sergei Shishkin, a lawyer from ISU, stated that banning mining effectively criminalizes the industry. According to him, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is already preparing a new article in the Criminal Code for illegal cryptocurrency mining. He urged the region to be more actively involved in regulation to avoid chaos.
Maria Yesipova from the Industrial Union of Miners warned that due to the ban, investors are moving to other regions and countries, and some companies will go into the 'shadow' sector. In addition, there may be an increase in electricity tariffs for the population, which will increase social tension.
Authorities insist on strict control, business asks for time to adapt, and experts propose intermediate solutions. The only thing clear is that mining in Priangaria can no longer be ignored, but its future remains uncertain.