The Federal Government has pledged full support for a $400 million foreign direct investment aimed at establishing Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State.
The project, spearheaded by Hasetins Commodities Limited, is expected to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide and significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity for in-country mineral processing and value addition.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the initiative as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification. He said the project directly aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to maximise value addition in the solid minerals sector.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Hasetins’ management, Alake commended the firm’s decision to expand its current installed capacity from 6,000 to 18,000 metric tonnes through a new facility.
“This groundbreaking initiative shows that our sectoral reforms are delivering tangible results,” Alake said in a statement issued by his media aide, Segun Tomori, on Sunday. “Your patriotic commitment confirms that Nigeria is on the right path in transforming the mining sector into an engine of growth.”
Beyond job creation, Alake noted the plant would facilitate technology transfer, skills development, and deeper integration of the mining industry into Nigeria’s broader economy.
Hasetins Commodities, a Nigerian-based company focused on rare earth elements and platinum group metals, said its operational model emphasises early-stage beneficiation, enabling artisanal miners to earn more by participating in local value chains.
Managing Director and CEO, Prince Jidayi, said the firm’s investment decision was influenced by growing investor confidence and recent reforms under Alake’s leadership.
“We’ve seen the rollout of mining marshals to combat illegal mining and a more streamlined licensing process,” he said. “In addition to this flagship facility, we are establishing regional separation plants and supporting local miners and communities through training, protective gear, and empowerment initiatives.”
Hasetins’ Director of Corporate Affairs, Peter Butt, praised the government for fostering a structured, investor-friendly environment. He highlighted the minister’s emphasis on local value addition as a key motivator for Hasetins’ sustainable, community-first development strategy.
Dr. Alake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the project, saying it aligns with the national agenda to make Nigeria’s mineral wealth a cornerstone of its economic transformation.
Once operational, the new facility is expected to position Nigeria as a strategic player in the global critical minerals market, which supplies essential inputs for high-tech electronics, renewable energy, and defence industries.
