Kemerovo Governor Proposes Data Centers and Crypto Mining in Deep Mines

Kemerovo region Gov. Ilya Seredyuk proposed placing data centers in exhausted open-pit mines, saying some pits reach about 300 meters deep and could also support cryptocurrency mining.

Seredyuk made the proposal during Russia Energy Week in mid-October. He said water and underground channels at the sites could reduce cooling costs. He also suggested covering the facilities with a roof and greenery, and said the locations could offer more protection against external attacks. The proposal has not been approved.

Russia’s Digital Development Ministry separately recommends building new data centers underground and concealing them from the air. Its guidance for existing facilities calls for reducing their visibility and adding electronic warfare and counter-drone defenses.