Russian is so well known for its mining industry. As far as I know, mining is not banned in Russia, since people are still engaging in mining activities.
Anyway, put it on the legal lever may be beneficial for those big miners, expecially those close to the government.
If you are close to the leadership of the region, then you will be mining in protected areas where checks will never come.
Look at the situation in Kazakhstan. First, mining was legalized there, and then taxes were increased by almost 10 times. My opinion is that the current situation suits everyone and there are many other problems, so the government is in no hurry to pass the law.