Russia’s Irkutsk, the nation’s biggest Bitcoin mining hotspot, could impose a year-round ban on all crypto mining activities effective April 1, a news outlet has claimed.

Per a report from the Russian newspaper Kommersant, the ban would apply only in the southern part of the Siberian oblast of Irkutsk, but could run until mid-2031.

Irkutsk Mining Ban Incoming?

Miners in southern Irkutsk have already been ordered to shut down their rigs in the winter months until 2031.

But many miners have remained in the area on the understanding that they can operate unimpeded in warmer months.

However, top officials warned earlier this year that the existing ban was not doing enough to ease pressure on local power grids.

Kommersant, a media outlet known to enjoy good relations with the Kremlin, said its sources had revealed the Russian government “may impose a total ban on mining in the southern part of the Irkutsk region as early as April 1.”

As Russia’s first BTC mining hub, southern Irkutsk is home to several large mining centers, which collectively consume around 650 MW of power.

A total ban would be highly problematic to these centers, industry insiders told the newspaper.

They added that “in the event of a ban,” they would be powerless to act “due to difficulties connecting to networks in other regions.”

Many nearby regions have also imposed wintertime crypto mining bans, a fact that could leave miners with no choice other than to relocate.

Governors Intervenes

As previously reported, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev wrote to the Kremlin earlier this year to ask for its cooperation.

Kobzev said the power currently provided to miners should be used to “implement socio-economic tasks that are important for the region.”