Eminent Nigerians have lauded the decision of Hasetins Commodities Limited to establish a $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant, describing it as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s industrial future.
The commendations came from Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake, Nasarawa Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. They spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility in Uke, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to Hasetins, the plant will become the largest of its kind in Africa, with an annual processing capacity of 12,000 metric tons.
Governor Sule called the project a “historic milestone” and a major boost to Nasarawa’s industrialisation agenda. He said the plant would spearhead domestic processing of key rare earth and critical metals, including platinum, uranium, and chromium.
“This investment will transform Nasarawa into a hub for high-technology production,” Sule said, adding that minerals such as tungsten, tin, coltan, and tantalum are essential for electric vehicles, medical devices, magnets, and advanced manufacturing.
Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake described the project as proof of Nigeria’s growing capacity to build a self-reliant and prosperous industrial economy. Tuggar also welcomed the investment, noting that rare earth minerals would generate jobs and power Nigeria’s technological advancement.
“This type of strategic collaboration is what the Federal Government wants to see more of. It will create jobs and supply the minerals that will drive 21st-century progress,” Tuggar said.
Onyejeocha praised Hasetins for building what she described as an “ecosystem” rather than a single facility, with shared infrastructure supporting miners, innovators, and service providers.
She said mining remains one of the few sectors capable of creating jobs across all skill level from professionals to artisans and small business owners.
Deputy Governor Akabe echoed this view, stressing that the economic impact of rare earth minerals will be immense, especially in sectors that rely heavily on advanced technology.
For Hasetins, the project is a defining step. Managing Director and CEO Prince Jidayi said the groundbreaking marked a bold leap into a future driven by innovation and sustainability.
He emphasised that global demand for rare earth elements used in renewable energy systems, electric cars, defence technologies, and consumer electronics is rapidly increasing.
“Our plant will meet this demand responsibly while boosting local and national economies,” Jidayi said. He added that the company is committed to environmental protection, job creation, and fostering a diverse workforce.
“As we break ground today, we also commit to breaking new ground in resource processing, innovation, and sustainability,” he stated.
