Germany Chancellor plans lithium deal with Serbia after Rio ruling
Olaf Scholz plans to visit Serbia this week to secure supplies of lithium that are critical for the nation’s energy transition and auto industry.
BusinessWire reports the Rapaport Melee Index (RMI) for small diamonds rebounded 14% to 140.72 in the first quarter of 2012, returning to March 2011 levels, but below the June 2011 RMI of 153.73.
Rapaport’s March Melee Diamond Auction sold 58,000 carats for $8.25 million.
Record high prices were achieved in specific categories, with strong demand from US and Indian buyers supporting sales.
“We are seeing a strong rebound in prices for commercial quality melee and higher levels of liquidity after a slow second half of 2011. Traders have returned to the market, bringing market prices back to levels reached last year. We are excited to have achieved record high prices in certain categories, exceeding sellers’ expectations. Rapaport Auctions continue to attract hundreds of the strongest international buyers, while providing the secondhand market with a competitive platform to achieve fair market value for their recycled diamonds,” said Ezi Rapaport, Director of Global Trading.
