(IDEX Online) - Alrosa raised $7m at its fourth online sale of special-size rough.
The Russian state-owned miner launched digital tenders in May to give buyers an opportunity to buy large stones (over 10.8-carats) remotely using 3D scans by Sarine.
It hasn't disclosed the value of previous sales. In December it sold 80 per cent of the goods available - 185 rough diamonds with a total weight of 2,400 carats to 33 companies from Belgium, India, Israel, Russia and UAE.
Alrosa, which introduced digital tenders for smaller stones in autumn 2019, said customers trusted the new format.
"The latest digital auction's results show that our clients are increasingly using this format, having appreciated all its advantages and opportunities," said Evgeny Agureev, deputy CEO.
"In 2020, we held four online auctions for rough diamonds larger than 10.8 carats. We are happy to note that this format, despite being rather new, wins the customers' trust."...