Kazakhstan Crypto Mining Restrictions After 2025 Energy Crisis - What Miners Need to Know

When talking about Kazakhstan crypto mining restrictions are a set of rules introduced after the 2025 energy crisis to curb the nation’s runaway Bitcoin‑hash power growth. The country went from the world’s top mining hub in 2021 to a heavily regulated environment within a few years. Kazakhstan crypto mining restrictions affect every aspect of a mining operation, from electricity purchase to asset disposition. This article walks you through why the limits exist, what they mean for a mining operation, and how to stay compliant.

What triggered the crackdown?

The 2024‑2025 energy crisis hit Kazakhstan’s grid hard. Illegal farms siphoned electricity equivalent to powering a mid‑size city, causing blackouts in hospitals and residential districts. In August 2025, authorities busted a clandestine operation in East Kazakhstan that devoured over 50MWh - roughly $16million worth of power. The incident exposed how unchecked mining could destabilise a country that relies on a fragile thermal‑plus‑hydro mix.

Who’s in charge?

Multiple bodies now oversee crypto mining:

• National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) - sets AML and tax policies.
• Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) within the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) - runs the mandatory trading platform.
• Ministry of Energy - controls electricity allocation.
• National Association of Blockchain and Data Center Industry - monitors equipment registration and energy use.

Key regulatory pillars

As of 2025, the law requires mining outfits to comply with four pillars:

1. Licensing - 84 active licenses have been issued. A miner must apply to the NBK‑AFSA joint committee, provide a technical plan, and pass an AML checklist.
2. Taxation - a flat 15% tax on gross mining revenue is levied at source.
3. Energy procurement - purchases must go through the state‑run platform, capped at 1MWh per transaction.
4. Asset disposition - 75% of mined coins must be sold on AIFC‑approved exchanges, up from 50% in 2024.

Licensing step‑by‑step

Getting a license is a multi‑stage process:

1. Register the company with the National Association of Blockchain and Data Center Industry.
2. Submit a detailed energy‑consumption forecast and a mitigation plan for peak‑hour load shedding.
3. Undergo an AML/KYC audit conducted by the Financial Monitoring Agency (FMA).
4. Pay the 15% mining‑tax pre‑payment and receive a license number valid for three years.

Energy limits and the 70/30 program

To prevent another grid overload, the Ministry of Energy introduced a “70/30” scheme. Foreign investors fund thermal‑power upgrades; 70% of the generated capacity supplies the national grid, while the remaining 30% is earmarked for licensed miners. This arrangement aims to turn miners into flexible demand‑side resources that absorb surplus generation during off‑peak hours.

Enforcement actions you should know

Authorities have taken a hard line on illegal operations. By the end of 2024:

• 36 unregistered exchanges were shut down.
• 4,000 mining rigs were confiscated.
• High‑end apartments and luxury cars bought with illicit proceeds were seized.

The East Kazakhstan case illustrates the scale: a network of utility insiders diverted power for two years, resulting in a $16million loss to the grid.

Practical implications for legitimate miners

If you are planning to start or expand a mining farm in Kazakhstan, keep these points top of mind:

• Cost of electricity - the state platform price is higher than the black‑market rates that fueled the crisis, but the supply is reliable.
• Compliance budget - factor in the 15% tax, licensing fees (approximately $5,000 per megawatt), and the mandatory AIFC sale requirement.
• Risk of shutdown - non‑licensed farms face immediate seizure and criminal prosecution.
• Renewable integration - solar and wind projects receiving preferential tariffs are now eligible for a “green‑miner” rebate of up to 5% on the electricity tax.

Future outlook

Kazakhstan is not abandoning crypto mining; it is reshaping it. The government plans to publish an updated digital‑asset law in early 2026, which will tighten AML reporting but also introduce a “miner‑to‑grid” incentive program. If you can align your operation with the 70% grid‑support goal and adopt renewable sources, you’ll likely enjoy a stable regulatory environment and lower energy costs.

Quick takeaways

• The 2025 energy crisis forced Kazakhstan to impose stringent licensing, tax, and energy‑purchase limits.
• All mining must be licensed, taxed at 15%, and sell 75% of output on AIFC platforms.
• Electricity can only be bought in 1MWh batches through a state platform.
• Illegal mining leads to severe penalties, including asset forfeiture.
• Future policies reward renewable‑powered miners and grid‑supportive operations.