The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind a $400 million foreign investment to build Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State.

The project, spearheaded by Hasetins Commodities Limited, is set to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide and boost the value of Nigeria’s mineral resources through local processing.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, hailed the project as a significant step in Nigeria’s push for industrialisation and job creation, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to promote value addition in the solid minerals sector.

During a visit by Hasetins’ management team, Alake praised the company’s plan to triple its current processing capacity from 6,000 to 18,000 metric tonnes with a new plant.

“This groundbreaking move shows that our reforms are producing real results,” Alake stated in a release by his media aide, Segun Tomori. “With your partnership, we’re witnessing the rise of Africa’s largest rare earth and critical metals facility here in Nigeria. Your commitment shows our policies are working and making an impact.”

He emphasized that, beyond job creation, the project will drive technology transfer, skills development, and deeper integration of mining into the national economy.

Hasetins Commodities, a Nigerian company focusing on rare earths and platinum group metals, said its approach centres on early-stage beneficiation—locally separating metals to help artisanal miners earn more.

The company’s CEO, Prince Jidayi, said their decision to invest was fueled by recent sector reforms and growing investor confidence under Alake’s leadership.

“We’ve seen major changes, including the introduction of mining marshals to combat illegal mining and easier access to mining licences,” he noted. “Aside from this major plant, we’re also setting up regional separation centres and supporting local miners and communities through training, protective gear, and empowerment programs.”

Peter Butt, Hasetins’ Director of Corporate Affairs, commended the government for creating a stable and investment-friendly environment. He said the minister’s focus on local value addition inspired the company’s sustainable, community-based development model.

Alake reaffirmed the government’s full backing, stressing its dedication to transforming Nigeria’s mineral wealth into a key driver of economic growth and diversification.

The upcoming plant is expected to position Nigeria as a major player in the global market for critical minerals—materials essential for electronics, clean energy technologies, and defence systems.