Belarus’s Crypto Mining Craze: A Dollar-Free Future or Just Fantasy?

In a move that might just make history-or make a few people cringe-Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has decided to make cryptocurrency mining a national priority. This, he claims, will help the country kick its unhealthy addiction to the US dollar. Yes, because when you’re trying to be independent, what better way than to mine digital coins?

Reports from the high-energy meeting in Minsk on November 14 paint a picture of Lukashenko all but declaring war on the dollar, not with weapons, but with computers and electricity. It seems that surplus energy is now Belarus’s golden ticket, and crypto-mining is the game they’re playing. Maybe next they’ll mine a few bitcoins and call it “national treasure.” 🏆

Lukashenko Orders Mining Push

According to state reports, Lukashenko demanded that officials bring forward specific measures to boost electricity consumption and lay out a roadmap for scaling up mining across the country. Because why not turn surplus energy into virtual gold, right?

He even floated the idea of not just luring foreign miners, but perhaps-just perhaps-storing up state-held crypto reserves if the mining operation proves profitable. Maybe Belarus is just the next digital Fort Knox in the making. 💰

And of course, these comments weren’t made in isolation. Alongside them, Lukashenko was all about figuring out how to use energy capacity to support other industries. So many plans, so little time…

Nuclear Power Capacity Driving Plans

Belarus isn’t just pulling these ideas out of thin air. No, they’ve got some serious power backing them up. The Ostrovets (Astravyets) nuclear plant, now fully operational with two units generating about 2,400 MW, is already covering 40% of the country’s electricity needs.

Industry and government supporters claim this surplus power makes crypto-mining financially viable. After all, why let all that energy go to waste when you can convert it into some imaginary coins? ⚡

A Broader Currency Strategy

But wait, there’s more! Belarus isn’t just interested in mining for the sake of mining. Oh no, they’re using this as part of a grander scheme to reduce reliance on a single global currency-yep, the almighty dollar. Why not throw in some cryptocurrency into the mix? Because when the world’s going digital, why should Belarus be left behind?

Lukashenko has apparently said that crypto could be the answer to cutting the nation’s ties to any one global currency. This, of course, ties into larger plans for new payment tools, including a digital ruble project. Yes, the National Bank is already eyeing a rollout by late 2026, and businesses will be the first to try it. Maybe in the future, even your grandma will be paying in rubles… digitally. 🪙

Beyond mining, Belarus is preparing to roll out its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) by late 2026. Businesses will be first, then government institutions, and eventually, by 2027, your average Belarusian citizen.

And yes, it’s all part of a well-coordinated effort with Russia’s own CBDC plans. Who said geopolitics can’t be fun? 😎

– Media One (@encMediaOne) November 15, 2025

Past Signals And Practical Steps

This isn’t exactly new territory. Lukashenko had raised the idea earlier in the year of using excess electricity for crypto-mining, and the government has been working on the logistics of attracting miners. But here’s where it gets fun: in classic fashion, the president’s push is being tempered by his love for strict oversight. So, he wants mining, but only if it’s regulated to avoid any funny business with people’s money.

Yes, there’s a tension between attracting miners and ensuring that the system doesn’t get fleeced. And who could blame him? When you’re dealing with virtual assets, it’s a whole different level of “wild west.” 🤠

Regulation And A National Reserve Idea

The government is hard at work on creating regulatory frameworks and discussing tax and tariff adjustments to make this whole mining thing happen on a larger scale. But they’re not forgetting to tighten the screws on crypto platforms to make sure that no one tries to pull a fast one. After all, nobody wants a national financial disaster on their hands, right?

And to top it all off, the National Bank plans to roll out the CBDC carefully, coordinating with regional partners, while enforcing stricter reporting requirements for crypto firms. Because, as they say, better safe than sorry! 🤷‍♀️

2025-11-16 18:25

Lukashenko Orders Mining Push

Nuclear Power Capacity Driving Plans

A Broader Currency Strategy

Past Signals And Practical Steps

Regulation And A National Reserve Idea

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