A delegation from the Federal Government of Nigeria has visited the site of the ongoing construction of a $400 million rare earth processing plant in the Uke community of Nasarawa State to assess compliance with relevant regulations and standards. The facility is designed to add 12,000 tonnes per annum to the company's existing capacity, increasing total output to 18,000 tonnes per annum and positioning Nigeria as Africa's leading hub for rare earth processing.
Delegation Expresses Satisfaction
The delegation, which included the Director of Mining Inspectorate from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Ganiyu Imam, and the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, expressed delight at the progress made so far and the commitment of those behind the project. Mr. Imam stated that the delegation was satisfied with the level of compliance with relevant requirements and standards and urged Hasetins to ensure that all necessary precautionary and safety measures are sustained.
Commendation for Quality and Equipment
A Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mr. Oladehinde Oladusi, who stood in for Dr. Okono, commended Hasetins for the quality of work and the modern standard equipment available at the site. He noted, "The commitment that we have seen so far in respect of the way the company is starting is different from the narrative of just bumping into our environment, breaking the ground, and carrying our minerals away. You can see equipment stacked properly, the administrative block is there where you have the initial test machine to be put in place, and of course the site under clearance."
Environmental Assessment Praised
Mr. Oladusi specifically commended Hasetins for not only carrying out a proper environmental assessment of the community but also having advanced technology on ground to reduce hazards and dangers associated with mining. He said, "One of the first things that impressed me is that when you are putting up something like this, definitely the environment will be affected. For this company to take the initiative to prepare a sound environmental and social impact assessment, which is one of the prerequisites to commence this kind of big project, is quite impressive. I am quite impressed, and what we need to do now is to encourage them to see that most of the mitigation measures inside that document are put in place."
Security and Community Development
He also commended Hasetins for putting in place adequate security arrangements and advised the management to ensure an adequate community development agreement to prevent future crises when work fully commences and the company begins to make progress.
CEO Highlights Innovations
Hasetins' Managing Director and CEO, Prince Jidayi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and his Special Assistant, Kehinde Bamigbetan, for their continued support and encouragement. He spoke about the many innovations his company is introducing to the processing of rare earth and critical metals in the country and assured host communities of continued support.
Prince Jidayi said, "For decades, the narrative has been of raw extraction and immediate export. Hasetins is advancing that. This plant will process rare earth metals and other critical metals like Tantalum, Tungsten, Tin, and others. In doing so, we are strictly deploying advanced, closed-loop processing technologies designed to minimize environmental impact, manage tailings responsibly, and protect local water bodies and air quality. We believe that extracting and processing the components of the world's green energy transition must not come at the expense of our local environment."
Regional Integration of Artisanal Miners
The project is being developed by indigenous firm Hasetins Commodities Limited. The firm's boss added that aside from the Uke project, which serves as the firm's central hub, "we are setting up regional separation centres and satellite separation centres to integrate and formalize artisanal and small-scale miners into a structured and safe supply chain. We are equipping them with gears, safety, training, support, and offering them offtake structures that increase economic stability in rural communities."
