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Russia validates deal to purchase part of diamond producer Alrosa's output

Russia will regularly purchase diamonds from sanctions-hit manufacturer Alrosa through a state fund, the finance ministry stated on Thursday, a relocation that recommends Western limitations on Russia's diamond exports may be having some impact.

The EU and Group of Seven (G7) countries consented to prohibit direct imports of Russian diamonds to their markets since Jan. 1, before phasing in a full restriction on Russian-origin stones via third countries from March 1 due to the fact that of Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

Deputy Financing Minister Alexei Moiseev shook off the effect of those sanctions in January, saying he did not expect the state to acquire diamonds mined by Alrosa.

However in March, state-owned precious metals and gems repository Gokhran purchased a very first batch of Alrosa's diamonds, the ministry stated on Thursday.

Specific amounts and volumes will not be revealed due to the sanctions limitations troubled Alrosa. Purchases will be made on a regular basis, the ministry stated, adding that it plans to offer the diamonds bought by Gokhran depending upon market conditions.

The United States imposed sanctions on Alrosa, the world's biggest manufacturer of rough diamonds by volume with 30% of the market, in 2022.

EU sanctions

followed this year.

Financing Minister Anton Siluanov said there was a

possibility of Gokhran's buying Alrosa diamonds

in 2022, however he stated the fund was normally more focused on purchases of rare-earth elements from Russian domestic manufacturers than diamonds.

Gokhran bought diamonds worth $1 billion from Alrosa during years of weak need caused by the global monetary crisis in 2008-2009.

Alrosa, which takes on Anglo American unit De Beers, stopped publishing sales information after Russia introduced what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine.

In 2021, its significant customers consisted of Belgium, India and the United Arab Emirates. India was the biggest purchaser of Russian diamonds in 2023, customizeds figures accessed through Trade Data Display show, with substantial materials also going to Belgium, Hong Kong and Armenia.

Alrosa's 2023 output fell by 2.8% year on year to 34.6 million carats, while income increased 9.3% to 322.6 billion roubles ($3.49 billion).

(source: Reuters)