In a significant move for Nigeria's industrial and economic landscape, the Nasarawa State government has officially inaugurated a monumental $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing facility.
A Landmark Investment for Nigeria
Governor Abdullahi Sule performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the plant, located in the Uke development area of Karu Local Government, on 20 November 2025. While addressing the event virtually from South Africa, the governor expressed immense pride in the project, which is being established by Hasetins Commodities Limited.
He highlighted that this facility, with a capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes, is poised to be one of the largest of its kind on the African continent. This high-purity hybrid processing plant is designed to serve the demanding global technology, energy, and defense industries.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
Governor Sule elaborated on the strategic importance of the metals to be processed, which include platinum, uranium, chromium, tungsten, tin, coltan, and tantalum. He stressed that these rare earth and critical metals are fundamental components in manufacturing a wide array of modern devices, from medical equipment like MRI machines and catalysts to magnets and propulsion systems for vehicles.
"This is a huge investment that we should all be proud of," Sule stated, congratulating Hasetins Commodities Limited for choosing Nasarawa State. He assured that the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors, recognizing that such partnerships are crucial for development.
Job Creation and Institutional Backing
The Managing Director and CEO of Hasetins Commodities Limited, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, provided further details on the project's scope. He confirmed that the company is spearheading a $400 million foreign direct investment, a decision influenced by recent government reforms in the mining sector.
These reforms, which include the deployment of mining marshals and streamlined licensing procedures, have significantly boosted investor confidence. Prince Jidayi also revealed plans that extend beyond the main processing plant, including the establishment of regional separation facilities and initiatives to empower local artisanal miners through training and equipment provision.
He confirmed that the project has received a pledge of full institutional support from the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. On the critical issue of employment, the MD/CEO announced that the project is expected to create over ten thousand jobs, positioning Nigeria as a major contender in the international critical minerals market.
