NASARAWA — The Nigerian government is making significant strides in its quest to transition from raw mineral extraction to domestic value addition, with a federal delegation recently inspecting the ongoing construction of a $400 million rare earth and critical minerals processing facility in Uke, Nasarawa State.
Boosting Domestic Processing
Developed by the indigenous firm Hasetins Commodities Limited, this ambitious facility is set to become a cornerstone of Nigeria's solid minerals strategy. Once completed, the plant will add 12,000 tonnes of processing capacity to the company’s existing operations, bringing the total annual output to 18,000 tonnes.This expansion is expected to position Nigeria as a leading hub for rare earth processing in Africa.
Commitment to Compliance and Sustainability
During the site visit, a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) including the Director of Mining Inspectorate, Ganiyu Imam expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and its adherence to regulatory standards.
Key highlights of the project's development include:
Environmental Responsibility: The project has completed comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments.
Advanced Technology: The facility utilizes closed-loop processing technologies designed to minimize environmental hazards, manage tailings responsibly, and protect local water and air quality.
Community Engagement: The company is implementing local development agreements, including infrastructure projects like road construction and boreholes, and has committed to integrating artisanal miners into a formal, safe supply chain.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The project is projected to create approximately 10,000 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Beyond rare earth elements, the facility will process critical metals such as tantalum, tungsten, and tin, which are essential components for global supply chains in:
Electric vehicles (EVs)
Renewable energy technologies
Electronics and high-technology manufacturing
Defense applications
"For decades, the narrative has been of raw extraction and immediate export," said Prince Jidayi, Managing Director and CEO of Hasetins Commodities Limited. "This plant will process rare earth metals and other critical minerals in-country," marking a strategic shift toward local beneficiation that aligns with the federal government's broader economic diversification goals.
