Oman Cracks Down on Unlicensed Crypto Mining with New Equipment Sale Rules

Oman has taken steps to regulate cryptocurrency mining in the country by cracking down on unlicensed operators. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion issued a formal notice warning companies and individuals against supplying hardware to buyers who lack the necessary permits. Under the new rules, sellers are prohibited from completing transactions involving mining equipment unless the buyer is authorized to carry out mining activities.

The ministry has detected cases where mining equipment was sold or supplied to unlicensed operators, prompting the need for stricter regulations. Suppliers must now verify that buyers hold all required licenses and permits before transferring hardware. This new requirement shifts the burden of due diligence onto vendors, who must screen buyers against licensing records.

Oman's move builds on its effort to bring mining under official control rather than leaving it to informal operators. The country mandated a state-run Bitcoin mining pool earlier this year, which consolidated roughly 10 exahashes per second under government oversight. By policing the equipment supply chain, Oman is signaling that unlicensed mining will not be tolerated.