Kazakhstan approves strategic crypto mining reserve rules
Kazakhstan approves strategic crypto mining rules that tie regulated electricity access to miners transferring part of their mined assets into a state-backed reserve via Astana Hub. The framework, approved July 18, 2026, sets a high infrastructure bar and takes effect August 1, 2026. The policy links power quotas to national digital-asset reserves in one of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hubs.
Key Takeaways
- Kazakhstan approved strategic digital mining rules on July 18, 2026, under Government Resolution No. 638.
- Strategic status offers electricity quotas at regulated tariffs in exchange for transferring part of mined crypto to Astana Hub.
- Applicants must own a mining data center of at least 150 MW and use hardware rated at least 150 TH/s per unit.
- The rules take effect August 1, 2026; the resolution does not specify the exact transfer share.
What did Kazakhstan approve for strategic crypto mining?
According to Cointelegraph, citing Kazakhstan outlet Zakon.kz and Government Resolution No. 638 in the PRG.kz legal database, the government approved a framework for large-scale crypto mining on July 18, 2026.
Strategic digital mining gives miners access to electricity quotas at regulated tariffs. In return, they must transfer part of their mined crypto assets to Astana Hub, a government-backed technology cluster.
Kazakhstan ranked fifth globally by Bitcoin mining activity in the Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report published in April 2025, underscoring why the electricity-for-reserve trade-off carries weight for the sector.
Who can qualify as a strategic crypto miner?
Miners seeking strategic status must meet strict infrastructure standards before approval. Applicants need to own a digital mining data center with at least 150 megawatts of capacity.
Each mining hardware unit must deliver a minimum of 150 terahashes per second. Operators also need qualified technical staff, on-site repair facilities, multiple internet service contracts, and must be current on tax and other required payments.
Approved miners must sign agreements with Astana Hub’s autonomous cluster fund and buy power from eligible generating companies. More context on related market moves sits in our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
How does the state-backed crypto reserve work?
The rules require a transfer of mined assets into a reserve mechanism but do not state the percentage. Local media have cited a 10% rate; Cointelegraph said it could not independently verify that figure.
The framework builds on Kazakhstan’s wider state-backed digital asset push. In September 2025, the country launched the Alem Crypto Fund for long-term reserves, with an early BNB investment via Binance Kazakhstan.
In July 2026, Alatau City Bank and Binance Kazakhstan also launched Crypto Pay, enabling crypto payments through QR codes and point-of-sale terminals on the bank’s acquiring network. The mining resolution enters into force on August 1, 2026.