Nigeria has officially stepped onto the global stage as a strategic hub for rare earth minerals with the groundbreaking of Hasetins Group’s US$400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant in Uke Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Set to become Africa’s largest hybrid rare earth facility, the plant will double Nigeria’s existing production capacity from 6,000 tonnes to 12,000 tonnes and generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, positioning the country as a key player in global supply chains for high-tech industries.
The facility is designed to support electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, advanced electronics, defence systems, and other sectors increasingly reliant on rare earth elements. The groundbreaking phase is expected to last one month, while construction is slated to take between 9 and 15 months.
Testing and commissioning will take an additional month, putting full operational capacity within reach in just 17 months, a remarkably short timeline for a project of this scale.
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Prine Jidayi, Managing Director and CEO of Hasetins Commodities Ltd, described the plant as transformative for both Nigeria and Africa. “This facility 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 local community development,” Jidayi said.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, praised the project as a model for sustainable, green, and job-creating economic growth. “This initiative signals the kind of growth Nigeria needs. The batteries, electrominerals, and other critical metals produced here will allow us to assemble vehicles, produce MRI machines, and power industries right here in Nasarawa State,” he said.
Governor Sule also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering a stable and investment-friendly environment, emphasising that large-scale initiatives such as this are now possible because of policy consistency and improved security measures in the state.
Federal Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, framed the groundbreaking as a patriotic revolution aimed at advancing Nigeria’s self-reliance. “The Hasetins plant is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to process and refine our own minerals. 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 said.
Dr Alake highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector under the current administration. Licensing fee remittances have increased from N6 billion in 2023 to N26 billion by October 2025, reflecting enhanced investor confidence and stronger regulatory governance.
The minister further emphasised that the government’s policies now encourage local beneficiation, skills transfer, and the development of entire industrial ecosystems rather than merely exporting raw materials.
The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasised the project’s potential to provide thousands of sustainable jobs across skill levels. “A well-structured mining value chain provides opportunities for professionals, technicians, artisans, and local entrepreneurs, especially women and youth,” she said. Onyejeocha also stressed the importance of adhering to global occupational safety and health standards and linking vocational training to industry demands.
By embedding workforce development into the operational structure, the Hasetins plant will not only provide employment but also create a local talent pool capable of supporting downstream industries, from battery manufacturing to electric vehicles, medical devices, and high-tech electronics.
Environmental sustainability is a central component of the project. Jidayi emphasised Hasetins’ commitment to eco-friendly mining and processing practices, ensuring minimal environmental disruption while achieving high industrial output. “As we break ground today, we are also breaking new ground in how we approach resource processing. Innovation, sustainability, and community development will guide every aspect of this project,” he said.
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The Hasetins plant represents more than a business opportunity; it is a blueprint for how African nations can harness natural resources for local industrial development. By coupling high-value mineral processing with employment creation and skills development, the initiative demonstrates how policy, investment, and technology can converge to create a resilient and competitive industrial economy.
With the groundbreaking now complete, Nasarawa State is set to become a hub for sustainable mining, industrial growth, and employment. The Hasetins facility is expected to power a new era of economic prosperity, local beneficiation, and technological advancement, ensuring that Nigeria not only participates in the global rare earth supply chain but leads it.
Timeline at a Glance:
- Groundbreaking: 1 month
- Construction: 9–15 months
- Testing & Commissioning: 1 month
- Full Operations: 17 months
Key Data Points:
- Investment: US$400 million
- Capacity: 12,000 tonnes (doubling existing 6,000 tonnes)
- Employment: 10,000 direct and indirect jobs
- Economic Impact: N26 billion licensing fee remittances by October 2025; local industrial supply chain multiplier effect
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As Nigeria embarks on this rare earth revolution, the project signals a clear message: the country is ready to lead Africa’s industrial and technological transformation, combining data-driven investment, strategic policy, and sustainable growth into a model for the continent.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
