Russia's State Precious Metals and Gemstones Repository Gokhran said it sold $45.32 million worth of rough diamonds to Russian buyers in 2009.

Gokhran said that the bulk of its sales – $13.46 million – were the result of two auctions for large diamonds weighing over 10.8 carats; adding that some 5,500 carats of large goods were sold at the auctions.

According to Idex Online, quoting an Interfax report, in addition to the local sales, Gokhran exported 75,800 carats, or $7.482 million worth, of rough diamonds and exported 1,600 carats of cut and polished diamonds for about $1.3 million.

Aside from diamonds, Russia's Precious Metals and Gemstones Repository also reported selling 30 tons of gold to the Central Bank of Russia in December, as well as one ton of platinum abroad.

Gokhran reportedly has a budget of $1.43 billion to purchase precious metals and gemstones in 2010 and sell nearly $450 million worth in 2010. As part of this, the company plans to hold three auctions of large goods during the year.