MOSCOW - ALROSA, Russia's largest diamond producer, is seeking to expand its business in Africa. Along with developing projects in Angola, the company is ready to consider projects in South Africa. According to ALROSA's press service, on March 3, 2005, the company's President Alexander Nichiporuk met with a delegation of South Africa's mineral and energy affairs ministry.

Russia is interested in geological information and is ready to offer its technological potential in exploration and production. The head of the South African ministry welcomed ALROSA's intent to participate in the republic's diamond production. The sides agreed to continue consultations.