The Federal Government has pledged full support to the construction of Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State, which is expected to be a major boost to Nigeria’s mining sector and industrial development.
The project is supported by $400 million in foreign direct investment from Hasetins Commodities Limited and is expected to create over 10,000 jobs across the country and significantly expand Nigeria’s processing capacity for key strategic minerals.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister made the announcement during a courtesy call on the Hasetins leadership team, saying the project is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s drive for domestic value addition and utilization of Nigeria’s natural resources.
“We are pleased that our ongoing efforts have culminated in this groundbreaking initiative,” Alake said. “With your help, we are now witnessing the establishment of Africa’s largest rare earth and critical metals factory here in Nigeria. On behalf of the President, the Ministry and the people of Nigeria, I commend you for your commitment to this important sector. Your patriotic enthusiasm confirms that our policies are on the right track and are producing tangible results.”
The minister said the project is an important milestone in the government’s efforts to increase investor confidence and stimulate economic diversification through the mining sector. He added that it will facilitate skills transfer, regional capacity building and increasing the contribution of solid minerals to national GDP.
Hasetins Commodities Ltd currently operates a 6,000 tonne facility and future expansion will add a further 12,000 tonne installed capacity ahead of the formal groundbreaking of the new plant.
Speaking during the visit, the Managing Director and CEO of Haseechins, Prince Jidai Ijudigal, said the company’s decision to expand its investments in Nigeria was due to recent reforms in the sector. He cited the introduction of mine marshals to curb illegal mining and the simplification of licensing procedures as key motivations.
“Besides this flagship plant, we have also established regional segregated plants to empower local communities and miners,” he added.
The company’s business model includes pre-separation of metals locally and will provide early income for artisanal miners, alongside efforts such as training, provision of safety equipment and broader community development, Prince Jidai said.
Peter Butt, corporate director at Hasetins, was also present and praised the minister for giving the mining industry a new structure and focus. He said the company’s investment reflected confidence in the government’s commitment to sustainable, locally-led growth.
Hasetins Commodities Ltd specializes in the production of critical metals used in high technology and defense applications, including rare earth elements and platinum group metals (PGMs).
Dr. Arake reaffirmed the government’s full support for the project and reiterated the ministry’s aim to transform solid minerals into the core of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.
Ozioma Samuel Ugwezi
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