The Russian Ministry of Energy expects to make progress on introducing criminal liability for illegal mining as early as 2026. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Energy Pyotr Konyushenko.
According to him, discussions are currently underway with federal executive bodies, and the initiative has already received support from the State Duma. The ministry considers such measures necessary.
The approach is planned to be phased: first, the introduction of administrative liability, and for repeated violations, criminal liability. As Konyushenko emphasized, illegal mining is essentially considered a form of electricity theft and should be punished accordingly.
This issue was raised last year at the government commission on electricity development and is currently being worked out.
In parallel, mining restrictions are already in effect. From January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031, it is completely prohibited in a number of regions — including Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, as well as new regions of Russia.
In addition, a complete ban has been introduced in the south of the Irkutsk region, and in Buryatia and the Zabaykalsky Krai, restrictions apply during periods of peak energy consumption.
Thus, authorities are gradually tightening control over mining — from territorial restrictions to the possible introduction of criminal liability.
