Nigeria marked a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of the US$400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant by Hasetins Group company in Uke Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State.
Set to become Africa’s largest hybrid rare earth facility, the plant will create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs while expanding the nation’s capacity in the production of essential minerals.
The new plant will double the existing hub’s output, increasing capacity from 6,000 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes, supporting industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced electronics, and defense systems. The groundbreaking phase is expected to last one month, construction is scheduled for 9 to 15 months, with testing and commissioning taking an additional month. Full operations are projected in 17 months.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, hailed the project as a critical driver of sustainable economic growth. “This initiative signals the kind of growth Nigeria needs green, renewable, and job-creating,” he said. “We are optimistic that this project will generate more and better employment, strengthen our mining sector, and position Nigeria as a competitive player globally.”
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an investment-friendly environment that attracts large-scale initiatives. “The batteries, electro-minerals, and other critical metals produced here will allow us to assemble vehicles, produce MRI machines, and power industries right here in Nasarawa State.”
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, described the project as a patriotic revolution advancing Nigeria’s self-reliance. “The Hasetins plant is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to process and refine our own minerals,” he said. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are creating value locally, generating employment, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in rare earths and electro-minerals.”
He added that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has seen remarkable growth, with licensing fee remittances rising from N6 billion in 2023 to N26 billion by October 2025, reflecting increased investor confidence and improved sector governance.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, highlighted the project’s potential for job creation across skill levels. “A well-structured mining value chain provides opportunities for professionals, technicians, artisans, and local entrepreneurs, especially women and youth,” she said, stressing adherence to global occupational safety and health standards.
Prine Jidayi, Managing Director/CEO of Hasetins Commodities Ltd, described the project as transformative for Nigeria and Africa. “This plant represents a bold step into a sustainable and innovative future. We are committed to responsible processing of rare earths and critical metals while creating jobs and fostering community development,” he said.
Jidayi expressed gratitude to government officials, including the Nasarawa State executive team, the Minister of Solid Minerals, the Minister of Labour, and international engineering teams, for their support in bringing the vision to reality.
With the groundbreaking complete, Nasarawa State is poised to become a hub for sustainable mining, industrial growth, and job creation, strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global market for rare earths and electro-minerals. The project is expected to power a new era of economic prosperity, local beneficiation, and innovation across the nation.