Nigeria’s bold move to strengthen its position in the global minerals value chain took another step following the ground breaking of a $400 million rare earth processing plant in Ukeh, Nasarawa State.
The project, executed by Hasetins Company in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, represents a significant push toward mineral refinement, industrialisation, and economic self-reliance.
Leading the ground breaking ceremony, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the project as “a patriotic revolution” and a defining moment in Nigeria’s march toward industrial renewal.
Alake, who highlighted the soaring global demand for rare earth minerals driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, said Nigeria must seize the opportunity presented by its vast mineral deposits.
“We thank God for giving Nigeria billions of the rare earth minerals the world needs. The groundbreaking of this $400 million plant is a clear testimony to Nigerian drive and capacity,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria has already demonstrated capacity for domestic refining with the Dangote Refinery (crude oil), Segilola (gold), and lithium processors like Avatar and Asba, adding that the Hasetins Group would now extend that legacy to rare earth minerals.
Alake described the initiative as evidence of a “new era of national confidence,” attributing the gains in the solid minerals sector to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including financial restructuring, subsidy reforms, and strengthened public accountability.
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Managing Director of Hasetins Company, Mr. Jidayi Ijudigal, said the plant positions Nigeria at the forefront of global demand for rare earth elements—critical components in renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, and military systems.
“This plant represents a bold step into a future with immense potential for innovation, sustainability, and advancement,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the facility would operate responsibly, adopt sustainable practices, create significant job opportunities, and contribute to both local and national economic growth.
The company, he added, remains committed to environmental protection and community-focused development.
Ijudigal also applauded the Nasarawa State Government for providing a safe and investor-friendly climate.
Representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe described the plant as a transformative project capable of positioning Nasarawa—and Nigeria—as a major hub for advanced manufacturing.
He praised the Nigerian government for implementing policies that have boosted investor confidence and thanked Hasetins Group for choosing the state as host to the landmark project.
“Rare earth elements are what drive the world today. This investment signals a transformative opportunity for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Global statistics show that Nigeria ranked 24th out of 166 countries in total mineral production in 2023, producing 108.4 million metric tonnes, and 20th globally in mineral value at $48.9 billion.
The new plant is expected to significantly boost these figures, enhancing the nation’s capacity to refine minerals locally and reducing its dependence on foreign processors.
Alake informed the gathering that the mining sector recorded N26 billion revenue from licensing fees, which had been remitted to the federation account as of October 2025.
This represented an increased compared with the N6 billion recorded in 2023 and N12 billion in 2024.
Delivering his speech titled, “The Road to Self-Reliance in the Solid Minerals Sector”, Alake said progress was being made as a result of changes in global technology driven by climate change, which has made electric vehicles and appliances the new normal.
He said under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the solid minerals sector has been turned into the newest pillar of growth of the Nigerian economy with enforced compliance with the mining laws, and has increased the security of the sector as well as enabled more investors.
While pledging the support of the federal government to the initiative, the minister added that the groundbreaking of the $400 million rare earth plant by the Hasetins Group was an eloquent testimony to the drive and willpower of the Nigerian which is the awakening of the national consciousness.
