From financemagnates by Tareq Sikder

Crypto mining

In 2024, Kyrgyzstan saw a significant drop in tax revenue from cryptocurrency mining, despite the global rise in crypto valuations. The country’s tax receipts from mining fell by 50% compared to 2023, according to Coinpedia Fintech News.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that Kyrgyzstan collected approximately $535,000 in mining taxes this year. This marked a sharp decline from the $1.08 million collected in 2023.

Mining Tax Revenue in Kyrgyzstan Declines

The revenue drop was evident early in the year. Between January and July 2024, tax revenue from mining fell by 29.7% compared to the same period in 2023.

Kyrgyzstan imposes a 10% tax on the electricity used by crypto miners, which also includes value-added tax (VAT) and sales tax. This tax structure initially contributed to higher revenue, especially in early 2023. The country collected $883,000 in the first few months of 2023, compared to $133,200 in the same months of 2022.

Regulatory Issues and Costs Impact Mining

The cause of the revenue decline remains unclear. Some experts suggest that regulatory uncertainties or reduced mining activity may be factors. Others point to changes in energy policies or rising costs, which could have affected the mining sector. Kyrgyzstan’s abundant hydroelectric power had previously made it a popular destination for crypto miners.

While the decline presents challenges, countries like Germany have implemented solutions to improve mining operations. German miners use excess renewable energy to power Bitcoin mining, reducing energy waste and stabilizing power grids. Kyrgyzstan could consider similar approaches to revitalize its mining industry and support the economy.

Russia Implements Regional Cryptocurrency Mining Ban

Meanwhile, Russian authorities have approved a list of regions where cryptocurrency mining will be prohibited starting January 1, 2025. The ban, which will remain in place until March 15, 2031, affects 10 regions, including Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, as reported by Finance Magnates.

Additionally, seasonal restrictions will be imposed in three Siberian regions—Irkutsk, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky—during peak energy consumption periods, from January 1 to March 15, 2025, and annually from November 15 to March 15 thereafter. These measures are part of broader laws signed by President Vladimir Putin aimed at regulating energy use in cryptocurrency mining.