Kazakhstan now has official rules for large cryptocurrency mining operations. These companies will get reliable access to electricity, but in return, they must give a portion of the cryptocurrencies they mine to a national fund.
Summary
- Kazakhstan has approved a strategic mining framework that links regulated electricity access with contributions to a state backed crypto reserve.
- Eligible miners must meet strict infrastructure and operational standards before receiving strategic status under the new rules.
- The framework builds on Kazakhstan’s push to expand regulated digital asset infrastructure while strengthening oversight of the crypto industry.
The Kazakh government recently adopted new regulations on July 18th, as reported by Zakon.kz and documented in the official PRG.kz legal database under Resolution No. 638.
This new system, called strategic digital mining, lets eligible companies get affordable electricity rates if they agree to share some of the cryptocurrency they mine with Astana Hub, a tech center supported by the government.
This new regulation is part of Kazakhstan’s plan to integrate its cryptocurrency industry with government-supported systems, moving away from simply viewing crypto mining as an independent business. These changes will go into effect on August 1, 2026.
Large mining operators face strict eligibility requirements
Under the new system, only mining operations with significant and well-maintained facilities will be considered strategically important.
According to Zakon.kz, anyone applying for this program needs to operate a digital mining data center capable of handling at least 150 megawatts of power. The mining computers within that facility must also have a combined processing speed of at least 150 terahashes per second for every unit.
To get approval, companies need more than just the right equipment. They also need skilled technicians, on-site repair shops, backup internet service options, and must be up-to-date with all taxes and required payments.
After receiving approval, businesses will need to sign contracts with Astana Hub’s fund and buy their electricity from approved power companies.
The new rules also require cryptocurrency miners to contribute a portion of their earnings to a fund managed by Astana Hub. While the official document doesn’t state the exact amount, reports suggest it could be around 10%. However, Cointelegraph hasn’t been able to confirm this percentage independently.
Kazakhstan is offering a unique deal: cryptocurrency miners can get cheaper electricity if they agree to share some of the digital assets they create with the government, following agreed-upon rules. This connects access to power directly with participation in Kazakhstan’s official digital asset system.
Policy builds on Kazakhstan’s digital asset strategy
These new mining regulations follow a series of steps Kazakhstan has taken to become more involved in the world of regulated cryptocurrencies.
As crypto.news reported previously, the country started its government-supported Alem Crypto Fund in September 2025 to create a lasting collection of digital assets. The fund’s first move was investing in BNB through a collaboration with Binance Kazakhstan, which gave it initial involvement in the world of cryptocurrency.
Back in January, Reuters announced that Kazakhstan’s central bank was considering investing as much as $350 million of its approximately $69 billion in reserves – which includes gold and foreign currency – into investments connected to cryptocurrency.
Rather than buying Bitcoin or Ethereum outright, Kazakhstan’s National Bank announced it will invest in the cryptocurrency industry through funds, tracking products (indexes), and companies building digital asset infrastructure. This makes Kazakhstan one of a small number of nations allocating part of its national reserves to this emerging sector.
Progress has been made in allowing regulated cryptocurrency payments. In early July, Alatau City Bank teamed up with Binance Kazakhstan to introduce Crypto Pay, a system that lets customers pay with cryptocurrency using QR codes and payment terminals linked to the bank. This launch is part of a broader government initiative to increase access to regulated financial services involving digital currencies.
At the same time, Kazakhstan has continued tightening oversight of the industry.
Government reports shared by crypto.news show that over 1,100 illegal cryptocurrency exchange platforms were shut down in January. This action encouraged people to use officially licensed exchanges and strengthened the country’s rules for digital currencies.
Kazakhstan strengthens its position as a mining destination
As a crypto investor, I’ve been watching Kazakhstan closely. After China cracked down on Bitcoin mining in 2021, a lot of miners moved their operations there, and it quickly became one of the biggest mining hubs globally. It’s still a major player in Bitcoin mining today.
A report released in April 2025 by Cambridge Digital Mining Industry ranked Kazakhstan as the fifth-leading country in the world for Bitcoin mining, highlighting its significant role in the industry.
The recently adopted plan doesn’t just focus on increasing mining operations. Instead, it connects access to affordable power with involvement in official digital currency projects, coordinating the growth of national reserves with broader policies for industrial-scale mining.
This plan aligns with recent trends in tech development. Just earlier this month, Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School agreed to partner with Kazakhstan to create a new educational center specializing in AI, startups, technological studies, and research.
As a researcher following this development, I’ve learned that this agreement was reached while our organization navigated some complex regulations in Malaysia. Simultaneously, it supports Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to build out its digital economy through new technology projects.
2026-07-23 17:47