Crypto Miners Celebrate: Kazakhstan Removes Restrictions, Legalizes National Mining

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Key Takeaways

What has changed for cryptocurrency miners in Kazakhstan?

Gone are the days when mining was seen as a “digital asset turnover.” Miners can now operate legally across the entire nation, free from previous limitations and the pesky requirement of selling through AIFC exchanges. 🎉

Why is Kazakhstan strengthening mining controls?

The influx of miners, especially after China’s 2020 ban, overwhelmed Kazakhstan’s power grid. The government’s new proposals aim to limit energy consumption by new mining facilities and set a cap on national applications. ⚡️

Kazakhstan is on the brink of a digital revolution, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signing amendments that will reshape the country’s approach to digital assets. The changes will kick in 60 days after publication, bringing clarity and formal oversight to the circulation of unsecured digital assets. It’s about time, right? 🙄

Kazakhstan Lifts Restrictions on Crypto Mining

Up until now, only the AIFC had the privilege of hosting licensed mining and exchange operations. But, with the new amendments, this exclusivity is a thing of the past. The entire country can now legally partake in crypto activities. Welcome to the party! 🥳

The updates come in two flavors: one aligns the national framework with AI laws, while the other focuses on bolstering personal data protection, product labeling, and information security. Fun stuff, really. 📜

As a bonus, citizens now have tighter control over their data. Consent is no longer a vague, open-ended thing-it’s time-bound, purpose-driven, and can be revoked at will. Retailers will also need to keep a digital eye on transactions, making the whole process a bit more transparent. 📱

The real kicker? Cryptocurrency mining is no longer a “digital asset turnover.” This means miners can now legally mine without the previous hurdles. And they’re no longer shackled to selling their coins through AIFC exchanges, which opens up a world of possibilities. 💰

The cherry on top? Kazakhstan’s National Bank is even thinking about creating a state-backed crypto reserve. Who would have thought? 💡

Why Did Kazakhstan Make This Move?

When China dropped the hammer on crypto miners in 2020, Kazakhstan became the go-to destination for those seeking cheaper power. But, of course, this caused the power grid to strain under the pressure. KEGOC reported a nearly 12% surge in electricity demand in the southeast, with an additional 1,500 megawatts of energy being used. This is about the same energy needed for the entire Almaty region. Talk about a power struggle. 🔋

To prevent future chaos, Kazakhstan is considering tighter control measures on mining operations. A new bill might cap new facilities at 1 megawatt of electricity, and pause approvals if applications exceed 100 megawatts. Keep those energy-hungry miners in check! ⚖️

What’s U.S. Crypto Mining Doing in the Trump Era?

While Kazakhstan embraces mining, the U.S. is doing its own thing. After Bitcoin’s halving last year, mining profitability has plummeted. American miners, who once thrived at $50,000 per BTC, are now struggling even when the price nears $100,000-thanks to soaring energy and hardware costs. 🤦‍♂️

But don’t worry, the Trump administration is on it! Plans are in place to fast-track renewable energy expansion. Solar, wind, and battery storage are growing rapidly, with carbon-free energy set to make up 62% of U.S. electricity next year. So, expect a greener future-eventually. 🌞

China’s Bitcoin Mining Record and More

Meanwhile, China isn’t going down without a fight. According to Luxor’s Q4 2025 Hashrate Map, China now accounts for 14.05% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate, making it the third-largest mining hub globally. And guess where most of this mining is happening? Xinjiang. It’s always about the cheap energy, isn’t it? 🧐

Back in the U.S., the government shutdown has finally ended, giving a brief boost to crypto markets. But everyone’s still keeping an eye on upcoming crypto legislation and the December Fed rate decision. Will the government finally get its act together? Stay tuned. 📈

So, as the crypto world keeps shifting, Kazakhstan’s openness, the U.S. market’s liquidity reset, and China’s quiet resurgence all point to a sector that keeps adapting. After all, who doesn’t love a good plot twist? 🎬

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2025-11-19 11:41