The Federal Government has pledged full support for the construction of Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State, in what is expected to be a major boost to Nigeria’s mining sector and industrial development.
The project, backed by a $400 million Foreign Direct Investment from Hasetins Commodities Limited, is projected to create over 10,000 jobs across the country and significantly expand Nigeria’s processing capacity for key strategic minerals.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the minister made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the Hasetins leadership team, and said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for in-country value addition and beneficiation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
“I’m glad our ongoing engagements have culminated in this groundbreaking initiative,” Alake said. “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria. On behalf of the President, the Ministry, and the Nigerian people, I commend your commitment to this vital sector. Your patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track and producing tangible results.”
The Minister described the project as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to boost investor confidence and stimulate economic diversification through the mining sector. He added that it would promote skills transfer, local capacity building, and increased contributions of solid minerals to national GDP.
Hasetins Commodities Ltd currently operates a 6,000 metric tonne facility, but the upcoming expansion will add another 12,000 metric tonnes in installed capacity, ahead of the formal groundbreaking of the new plant.
Speaking during the visit, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, Managing Director/CEO of Hasetins, attributed the company’s decision to expand investment in Nigeria to recent reforms in the sector. He cited the introduction of mining marshals to curb illegal mining and simplified licensing procedures as key incentives.
“Beyond this flagship plant, we are also establishing regional separation plants and empowering local communities and miners,” he added.
The company’s business model includes pre-separation of metals locally, which Prince Jidayi said would generate early income for artisanal miners, alongside initiatives for training, provision of safety equipment, and broad-based community development.
Also present was Peter Butt, Director of Corporate Affairs at Hasetins, who commended the Minister for giving renewed structure and focus to the mining industry. He said the company’s investment reflects confidence in the government’s commitment to sustainable, locally driven growth.
Hasetins Commodities Ltd specialises in the production of critical metals used in high-tech and defence applications, including rare earth elements and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
Dr Alake reaffirmed the government’s full institutional support for the project, reiterating the Ministry’s goal to turn solid minerals into a central pillar of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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