Kazakhstan, one of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hubs, has approved a new framework for large-scale crypto mining that ties access to electricity to contributions toward a state-backed digital asset reserve.

The government approved the rules for strategic digital mining on July 18, Kazakhstan-based news outlet Zakon.kz reported Wednesday, citing Government Resolution No. 638 published in the PRG.kz legal database.

Under the rules, strategic digital mining is defined as a framework that allows miners to receive electricity quotas at regulated tariffs in exchange for transferring part of the crypto assets they mine to Astana Hub, a government-backed technology cluster. The structure links two priorities in Kazakhstan’s crypto policy: managing power access for energy-intensive mining operations and building a state-linked digital asset reserve mechanism.

Kazakhstan ranked fifth globally by Bitcoin mining activity in the Cambridge Digital Mining Industry Report published in April 2025 by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, making changes to its mining rules relevant beyond the domestic market.

Strategic miners face higher infrastructure requirements

Miners applying for strategic status must satisfy strict infrastructure standards before receiving approval under the new framework.

According to Zakon.kz, applicants must own a digital mining data center with at least 150 megawatts (MW) of capacity. They must also use mining hardware in which each unit has a minimum computing power of 150 terahashes per second (TH/s).

The rules further require miners to employ qualified technical staff, maintain repair facilities at their data centers, hold multiple internet service contracts and be current on required tax and other payments. Those conditions indicate that the strategic category is aimed at large, established operators rather than small-scale mining businesses.

According to Zakon.kz, the government resolution will enter into force on Aug. 1, 2026.

Approved miners must transfer part of mined assets

Miners that receive approval must sign agreements with Astana Hub’s autonomous cluster fund and purchase electricity from eligible power-generating companies under the framework.

The rules require miners to transfer part of their mined crypto assets into a reserve mechanism, but they do not specify the required share. Local media reports cited a 10% transfer rate, though Cointelegraph said it could not independently verify that figure. National Business Kazakhstan also reported on the framework through its website and Telegram channel.

The mining rules are part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to build state-backed digital asset infrastructure. In September 2025, Kazakhstan launched the Alem Crypto Fund, a state-backed vehicle focused on long-term digital asset reserves. Its first investment involved BNB through a partnership with Binance Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan has also expanded regulated crypto-related financial services. In July 2026, Alatau City Bank and Binance Kazakhstan launched Crypto Pay, a service that allows users to make crypto payments through QR codes and point-of-sale terminals connected to the bank’s acquiring network.