MOSCOW, March 30 (RIA Novosti) - The net profits of Russia's largest diamond producer Alrosa [RTS: ALRS] increased 3.2% in 2006, to 15.579 billion rubles ($598.73 million), the company said in a statement Friday.
Last year, the company and its subsidiary Nyurba produced $2.3 billion worth of diamonds, up 2.4% from the previous year, and sold $2.864 billion worth of core products, which is comparable to the amount in 2005.
Alrosa accounts for 97% of Russia's diamond production and 25% of total global diamond output. In 2005 the group sold $2.86 billion worth of core products, including $142.6 million worth of diamonds. Alrosa's major shareholders are the Federal Property Management Agency, which hold 37% of its shares, as well as individuals and legal entities (23%). Eight Yakutian districts have an 8% stake in the company.
