Nasarawa State has marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's industrial development with the inauguration of a massive $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing facility.
Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony
Governor Abdullahi Sule officially performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the ambitious project located in Uke, within Karu Local Government Area. The event, which took place on November 21, 2025, represents a major leap forward for Nigeria's mining and technology sectors.
Governor Sule praised the management team of Hasetins Commodities Limited for their vision in establishing what he described as one of Africa's largest high-purity rare earth and critical metal hybrid processing plants.
Strategic Importance and Capacity
The massive facility boasts an impressive capacity of 12,000 metric tonnes, positioning it as a key player in supplying critical materials to global technology, energy, and defense industries. Governor Sule emphasized the crucial role that rare earth elements and critical metals like tungsten, tin, coltan, and tantalum play in modern medicine production and technological advancement.
During his address, the governor highlighted how this investment aligns with Nigeria's broader economic diversification goals and positions the country as a significant player in the global rare earth market.
National Support and Endorsement
The project received overwhelming support from key federal government officials who joined the ceremony virtually. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, both delivered goodwill messages endorsing the strategic investment.
Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Minerals Development Fund, who is responsible for driving strategic investments in the mining sector, also joined the virtual celebration. Her presence underscored the federal government's commitment to developing Nigeria's mining potential.
Henry Dele Alake, who also participated virtually, joined other dignitaries in congratulating Hasetins Commodities Limited for their bold investment in rare earth and critical metal hybrid processing within Nigeria.
All government representatives described the project as a strategic initiative that would harness Nigeria's sectoral potential, advancing technological innovations and inventions through the provision of crucial raw materials.
Company Vision and Commitment
Jidayi Ijudigal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hasetins Commodities Limited, revealed that the company is undertaking this major investment to establish Africa's largest rare earth and critical metals hybrid processing plant specifically in the Uke Development Area of Karu Local Government.
The company's commitment to this project demonstrates growing confidence in Nigeria's investment climate and the potential of its solid minerals sector to compete on the global stage.
This landmark facility is expected to create numerous employment opportunities, stimulate local economic development, and position Nasarawa State as a hub for advanced mineral processing in Africa.
