Federal Govt, Nasarawa Flag Off $400m Rare Earth Plant Construction

The Federal Government and the Nasarawa State Government have performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a $400 million Hasetins Company’s rare earth and critical metals plant in Uke, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The 12,000 tons per annum state-of-the-art rare earth and critical metal processing plant targets the creation of numerous job opportunities in the region, supporting local communities and promoting social and economic growth.

Rare earth metals play a pivotal role in modern technology, powering a variety of applications including electronics, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and defense technologies.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said the plant initiated by the Hasetins group is an eloquent testimony to the drive and willpower that the country can harness to become an economic giant.

The minister described the initiative as a patriotic revolution to set Nigeria on the path of self-reliance, commonwealth and prosperity for all.

Alake said under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Renewed Hope was giving birth to self-reliance in the solid minerals sector which had brought a new era of economic prosperity.

He stated that remittances from licensing fees to the Federation Account had increased from N6 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024 and to N26 billion as of October 2025.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, who has turned the solid minerals sector into the newest pillar of growth of the Nigerian economy, the seven-point agenda inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda has increased the security of the sector, enabled more investors to mine, and enforced compliance with the mining laws.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the groundbreaking of the $400 million rare earth plant by the Hasetins Group today is an eloquent testimony to the drive and willpower of the Nigerian; the awakening of the national consciousness that tells us that we have no other country to call our own and the realisation that if countries that were comparatively worse and poorer than us three decades ago could suddenly emerge as economic giants today, then we can, and we shall build Nigeria as an economic giant as well.

“Dangote Refinery has shown that we can restore our capacity to refine our crude oil. Segilola/THOR has shown that we can refine our own gold. Avatar and ASBA have shown that we can separate and process our lithium. Hasetins Group shall demonstrate that we can separate, process, and refine our rare earths,”Alake noted.

In his remarks, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, stated that his administration had consistently created an enabling environment for investors to participate, with the firm belief that the state could not develop to its full potential unless investors are involved.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor acknowledged the efforts of President Tinubu towards enhancing the ease of doing business to attract investors into the country.

While underscoring the significance of the plant, he said, “Rare metals are elements that drive the whole world. The MRA machines are products of these rare earth metals… Catalysis, propelling vehicles and the rest of them are all from there. You can imagine having such a plant in Nasarawa State. It is something that we in Nasarawa State will grab with both hands and both feet.

“Most of the developed worlds, they are not developed by the indigenous place but by the enabling environment that they created for investors to come in.  And that is why we spend so much on our security to ensure peace.  Without peace and security, nobody wants to come and invest where there is chaos.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Hasetins Group,

Prince Jidayi, said the facility would not only boost local and national economies, but also create numerous job opportunities in our communities.

He expressed the company’s commitment to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity and talent of the regions, adding that the project will also embrace sustainable practices, ensuring protection of the environment while innovating and advancing.

“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our company but also for our community and the entire industry. This plant represents a bold step into a future that holds immense potential for innovation, sustainability and advancement.

“Rare earth elements and critical metals are vital to many of today’s advanced technologies, everything from renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles to consumer electronics and defence systems. The global demand for these minerals is soaring, and we stand at the forefront of meeting this demand in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.

“As we break ground, let us also break new ground in how we approach resource processing, let us embrace innovation, invest in our people, and prioritise sustainability.

Together, we will create a legacy not only for our company but also for future generations,”Jidayi added.