The Nigerian government has thrown its full weight behind the development of one of Africa’s most ambitious rare earth and critical minerals processing facilities. The plant, to be built in Nasarawa State by Hasetins Commodities Limited, is expected to draw in at least $400 million in direct investment and generate more than 10,000 jobs across the nation.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, in a statement released Monday, underscored the importance of the project in supporting the federal government’s drive to increase local value addition in the solid minerals sector. He noted that the initiative reflects the administration’s policy shift toward in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, rather than the traditional model of raw exports.
“This development marks a significant milestone in our efforts to restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry,” Alake said. “By encouraging large-scale, domestic processing of critical minerals, we are laying the foundation for a more robust and competitive mining economy.”
The Nasarawa plant is intended to serve as a hub for the processing of rare earth elements and other critical metals essential for modern technologies, including electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense applications. These minerals have become increasingly strategic as global demand rises amid the push for cleaner energy and technological innovation.
Hasetins Commodities Limited, a Nigerian-owned private firm, is currently operating with a capacity of 6,000 metric tons and plans to expand that figure by an additional 12,000 metric tons. Alake confirmed that plans for the groundbreaking of the expanded facility are already underway, signaling rapid progress in the project’s implementation.
“I applaud the company for its strategic foresight and patriotic decision to invest in a project of this magnitude within Nigeria. The benefits of this venture will be far-reaching, from job creation to technology transfer and economic diversification,” the minister added.
In a separate statement, Hasetins Commodities outlined its operational strategy, which places strong emphasis on early-stage beneficiation. The company intends to pre-separate critical metals locally before they enter the broader value chain, allowing for greater control over quality and improved economic returns within Nigeria.
This approach is designed to immediately benefit artisanal and small-scale miners, offering them direct income opportunities while integrating them into a more formalized and regulated framework. The firm also announced plans for structured training programs, the provision of safety equipment, and active engagement with host communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The establishment of the plant is expected to not only boost Nigeria’s standing in the global critical minerals market but also reduce the country’s reliance on imported refined materials. With global powers increasingly competing for access to rare earths, Nigeria’s entry into local processing represents a strategic move to leverage its natural resource base for long-term economic and technological gains.