Kazakhstan Approves Strategic Bitcoin Mining Program With State Crypto Reserve

TLDR

• Kazakhstan launches strategic bitcoin mining with a state crypto reserve
• Miners receive 10-year power contracts under the new government program
• Qualified firms must contribute part of mined bitcoin to the reserve
• Ekibastuz GRES-1 supplies the first 300 MW mining power allocation
• New rules expand Kazakhstan’s regulated digital asset ecosystem and oversight

Kazakhstan has approved a strategic bitcoin mining program that links long-term electricity access with contributions to a national crypto reserve. The framework gives qualified mining companies regulated power prices through 10-year agreements while directing part of their mining output to the state. The move expands Kazakhstan’s digital asset strategy and strengthens government oversight across the mining industry.

Kazakhstan Sets Rules for Strategic Mining and State Reserve

The government approved rules allowing eligible mining companies to secure electricity under long-term contracts with regulated pricing. In return, participants must transfer part of their mined digital assets every month. The contributions will support the National Strategic Crypto Reserve through a state-managed structure.

Mining companies will send digital assets to dedicated wallets managed by the Astana Hub Autonomous Cluster Fund. The fund will then transfer the assets to the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank. The corporation will manage those holdings as part of the National Strategic Crypto Reserve.

The contribution formula applies after electricity and transmission costs, including value-added tax, are deducted. Companies will transfer 10% of the remaining mined digital assets each month. This approach links mining incentives with the state’s digital asset accumulation strategy.

Kazakhstan Defines Eligibility and Compliance Standards

Kazakhstan limited the program to mining companies that satisfy technical, operational, and financial requirements. Each participant must own a data center with at least 150 megawatts of capacity. Mining equipment must also deliver at least 150 terahashes per second for every unit.

Applicants must maintain two internet service agreements and operate an equipment repair center with qualified personnel. They must also clear all tax obligations and mandatory payments before applying. A government commission will verify compliance and available electricity quotas before approval.

Every approved company must open a dedicated cryptocurrency wallet for strategic mining operations. Independent auditors must review compliance every year before April 1. Companies that underpay required digital assets must complete the outstanding transfer within 30 calendar days.

Kazakhstan Expands National Digital Asset Strategy

The mining framework follows a presidential decree signed on July 7 and a government resolution approved on July 18. The measures establish a regulated structure for mining, crypto trading, and digital asset management. The framework also channels mining output through domestic infrastructure under state supervision.

The first approved electricity supplier is Ekibastuz GRES-1, which received a 300-megawatt allocation for strategic mining. Approved companies will purchase electricity directly from the producer under 10-year agreements. The regulated price cannot exceed the producer’s maximum approved tariff.

The reserve will hold digital assets, crypto-related derivatives, and shares of companies involved in digital asset activities. This structure extends beyond holding bitcoin alone and creates broader market exposure. Kazakhstan also plans tokenization platforms, stablecoin payment channels, tokenized government securities, and a National Cryptocurrency Analysis Center as part of its wider digital asset roadmap.

Kazakhstan ranks among the world’s leading bitcoin mining hubs after miners expanded operations following China’s 2021 mining ban. The country later tightened mining regulations because of pressure on the national electricity grid. The latest framework shifts that policy toward regulated expansion while directing mining activity into a state-backed reserve.