According to a new report in Bloomberg, Russian mining company Alrosa has managed to return its exports to pre-sanctions levels. The report noted the company is now selling $250 million in diamonds per month. That is only about $50-$100 million less than it had been exporting prior to the imposition of Western sanctions on the nation.

The sales have revived as some Indian banks developed procedures for conducting transactions in currencies other than US dollars.

The exported gems are mostly heading to manufacturers in India, “where hundreds of mostly family-owned businesses cut and polish rough stones into the finished products, ready to be used in earrings and engagement rings.” The company has also been selling diamonds to private buyers Europe and India, mostly accepting payments in Indian rupees.

It appears the sales do not violate any sanctions or laws, although the report notes there is still widespread unease with dealing in Russian products. A source for Bloomberg noted, “The deals are being done quietly,” and Alrosa has stopped publishing any information on its sales or financial performance.

Alrosa had been sanctioned by the US in April as part of the wave of sanctions it imposed after Russia’s military action in Ukraine.

Alrosa produces roughly a third of the global supply of rough diamonds, making it the world’s largest supplier of rough diamonds.

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