Nasarawa Govt Inspects $400m Minerals Processing Plant

The Nasarawa State Government has inspected the ongoing construction of a $400 million rare earth and critical minerals processing facility being developed by Hasetins Commodities Limited in Uke, Karu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen industrialisation and boost value addition in the mining sector.

The facility is projected to create about 10,000 jobs and significantly expand Nigeria’s capacity for processing critical minerals used in electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles and defence technology.

Leading a government delegation to the project site, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, described the investment as a major milestone for Nasarawa State and pledged continued government support to ensure its successful completion.

She said the project aligns with the state’s vision of attracting investments that create jobs, stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable development.

“My presence here today is to demonstrate government support for this project. This is the kind of investment and industrialisation we want to see in Nasarawa State because it creates employment opportunities and contributes to economic development,” she said.

The commissioner noted that the company already employs a large number of residents in its existing operations and expressed optimism that the new facility would further expand opportunities for indigenes.

She also commended the company for implementing community development projects, including road construction and borehole installations in host communities.

Elayo disclosed that the state government is exploring partnerships that would integrate artisanal miners into formal mining operations as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and improve livelihoods.

According to her, the government has identified additional locations where similar collaborations can be established to enhance the participation of local miners in the value chain.

The new facility will add 12,000 tonnes per annum to Hasetins’ current processing capacity of 6,000 tonnes, bringing total capacity to 18,000 tonnes annually.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hasetins Commodities Limited, Prince Jidayi, said the project represents a shift from the export of raw minerals to local processing and value addition.

“For decades, the narrative has been centred on extracting minerals and exporting them in raw form. This facility is changing that by processing rare earth elements and other critical minerals locally,” he said.

Jidayi explained that the plant would process rare earth elements as well as minerals such as tantalum, tungsten and tin using advanced technologies designed to minimise environmental impact and ensure responsible waste management.

He added that the company is establishing regional and satellite processing centres to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into a structured and safer supply chain.

According to him, the initiative will provide miners with training, safety equipment and stable offtake arrangements aimed at improving economic opportunities in rural communities.

Jidayi expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for their support, noting that government backing has been instrumental to the progress of the project.

As part of environmental sustainability measures, the state government also pledged to donate 5,000 trees for planting within the project area.

Hasetins Commodities Limited specialises in the exploration and processing of rare earth elements and platinum group metals and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading players in the critical minerals sector. The company said the new facility would strengthen the country’s position in the global critical minerals value chain while promoting local beneficiation and industrial growth.