The ABU Dhabi Agricultural Security Authority (ADAFSA) has reaffirmed the prohibition of cryptocurrency mining in farms in the Emirate, warning that the offenders face sanctions and the disconnection of government services.
The measure follows the recent discoveries of farms that reuse land and electricity for mining digital assets, uses not allowed according to existing agricultural regulations.
According to ADAFSA, such activities collide with the planned function of farmland, which is limited to growing crops and raising cattle.
Pharms caught mining will receive a fine of 100,000 Dirham (around $ 27,000), with the fine doubleing repeated crimes. Beyond the fine, ADAFSA will cut electricity, confiscate equipment and stop access to agricultural support programs.
Criminals, both owners and tenants, can also be sent to other authorities to obtain additional measures, said Adafsa.
The energy demand for cryptocurrency mining has caused other prohibitions worldwide. At the end of last year, Russia imposed a six -year prohibition in 10 regions on energy consumption.
