Nigeria is set to become a major player in the global mining industry with the establishment of Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant. The $400 million investment, led by Hasetins Commodities Limited, is expected to significantly boost the country’s mining sector and advance industrial development. The project, which will be located in Nasarawa State, is projected to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for processing strategic minerals.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during a courtesy visit by Hasetins’ leadership team. Dr Alake described the initiative as a direct outcome of the Tinubu administration’s reforms and its commitment to in-country beneficiation. “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria,” he said. “Your patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track and producing tangible results.”
Hasetins currently operates a 6,000-metric-tonne facility, but the forthcoming plant will add an additional 12,000 metric tonnes to its installed capacity. The facility will process essential metals crucial to high-tech industries and defence applications, including rare earth elements and platinum group metals. Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, Managing Director and CEO of Hasetins, attributed the company’s decision to expand its investment in Nigeria to recent policy reforms, particularly the deployment of mining marshals to curb illegal mining and the streamlining of licensing procedures.
The company’s investment is not only a significant boost to Nigeria’s mining sector but also a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. “Beyond this flagship plant, we are also establishing regional separation facilities and empowering artisanal miners,” Ijudigal said. “Our model includes early-stage metal separation to generate income for local miners, along with training and equipment provision.” Peter Butt, Hasetins’ Director of Corporate Affairs, also commended the minister’s leadership and vision for restructuring the sector, noting that their investment reflects confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.
The ministry has reaffirmed its full institutional support for the project, emphasizing that solid minerals remain a central pillar in the administration’s strategy to diversify the economy and foster industrialization. “This project is a cornerstone of our broader strategy to make the solid minerals sector a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP,” Dr Alake added. With this significant investment, Nigeria is poised to become a major player in the global mining industry, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and advancing industrial development.
