Iran 's energy ministry has warned that a surge in bitcoin mining is threatening the sustainability of the country 's electricity grid . Ministry spokesperson Mostafa bin Mashhadi said prices had risen 7 % in the past month , jeopardising the sustainability of the system . Using mining has been cited as a potential way of circumventing economic sanctions placed on Iran . Miners are reportedly targeting locations that have subsidised electricity , such as factories , government offices and schools .
Iran's energy ministry has claimed that a surge in bitcoin mining is threatening the stability of the country's electricity grid. Ministry spokesperson Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi said consumption had risen 7% in the past month, jeopardising the sustainability of the system. Using bitcoin has been cited as a potential way of circumventing economic sanctions placed on Iran. Miners are reportedly targeting locations that have subsidised electricity, such as factories, government offices and mosques.