Nasarawa Breaks Ground on Historic $400m Rare Earth Plant, First of its Kind in Africa

By Kure Tashilane

 In a landmark move for Nigeria's industrial sector, the Nasarawa State Government has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant, set to be the largest of its kind in Africa.

The facility, located in the Uke development area of Karu Local Government, will have a capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes and produce high-purity materials for the global technology, energy, and defense sectors.

In a virtual address from South Africa, Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, praised the project investor, Hasetins Commodities Limited, for choosing the state.

“I congratulate you for this wonderful work that will bring development to our state,” Governor Sule said. “For the first time in Nigeria, we are going to have a rare earth critical metal processing plant that includes platinum, uranium, chromium, and so many other metals. This is a huge investment that we should all be proud of.”

The Governor, who was represented at the physical ceremony by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, emphasized the project's transformative potential.

Dr. Akabe described the plant as a golden opportunity for both Nasarawa State and Nigeria. “You can imagine having such a plant in Nasarawa state is something we would grab with our two hands and legs,” he stated. “We will continue to create the enabling environment for investors to come in.”

He explained that rare earth elements like tungsten, tin, and tantalum are crucial components in manufacturing modern technology, including medical equipment like MRI machines, catalysts, and magnets.

The project received endorsements from several federal ministers who joined virtually. The Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs and State for Labour and Employment, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, commended Hasetins Commodities Limited. They collectively described the investment as a strategic initiative to harness Nigeria's mineral potential and advance technological innovation.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of Hasetins Commodities Limited, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, outlined the project's scope, revealing it is spearheading a $400 million foreign direct investment.

He credited recent government reforms in the mining sector—including the deployment of mining marshals and streamlined licensing—for boosting investor confidence.

“Beyond the main plant, we plan to establish regional separation facilities and empower local artisanal miners through training and equipment,” Prince Jidayi said.

He also confirmed that the project has received a pledge of full institutional support from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Upon completion, the plant is expected to create over 10,000 jobs, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals market.