Georgia Cracks Down on Illicit Crypto Mining in Mestia Region

The Georgian government has launched a crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency mining in the Mestia region, citing concerns over the strain on the local power grid.

According to Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze, large-scale mining operations have led to a significant increase in electricity consumption, with 133 million kilowatt-hours used in 2025 alone. This is more than 13 times the level of comparable municipalities, and has resulted in frequent outages affecting both residents and tourists.

The region's abundant hydropower resources make it an attractive destination for cryptocurrency mining operations seeking cheap energy sources. However, this has also led to issues with grid overload and deteriorating energy supply. To address these problems, meters will be installed across villages and settlements to help identify and track energy usage.