Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated the construction of a $400 million Rare Earth Metal Processing Plant by Hasetins Commodity Ltd in Ukeh community, Karu Local Government Area.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Sule congratulated the company for tapping into the state’s abundant mineral resources.
Rare earth metals, a group of 17 metallic elements including Lanthanum, Cerium, Neodymium, and Europium, are crucial for modern technologies such as electronic devices, clean energy vehicles, and medical equipment due to their unique magnetic, fluorescent, and catalytic properties.
China currently dominates rare earth mining and processing, but the discovery of commercial quantities in Nigeria is expected to significantly impact the global market.
Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Sule said the Ukeh plant would process Latino uranium, chromium, and other essential metals.
“Today, for the first time in Nigeria, we are inaugurating a rare earth metal processing plant. This is a huge investment that the state should be proud of,” he said, congratulating Hasetins for the initiative.
Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Adele Alake attributed the project to President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a patriotic revolution that will set Nigeria on a path to self-reliance, prosperity, and economic growth.
“Hasetins Group will demonstrate that we can separate, process, and refine our rare earth metals. A new era of economic prosperity is here,” he said, adding that commissioning of the refinery is anticipated soon.
Minister of State for Labour, Ms. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, noted that the project could be a major employment driver, given Nigeria’s rapidly growing young population. She said the country needs to create about 4.5 million jobs annually to maintain current employment levels and reduce poverty.
“Mining projects like this can create jobs across the entire skills spectrum, from professionals and technicians to artisans and local entrepreneurs,” she said, adding that the Federal Ministry of Labour would support investors to ensure occupational safety and health standards meet global best practices.
Hasetins Commodity Ltd Managing Director Mr. Prince Jidayi described the plant as a bold step toward innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.
“Rare earth elements are vital to advanced technologies, from renewable energy and electric vehicles to consumer electronics and defense systems. This plant will embrace sustainable practices while fostering a diverse and skilled workforce,” he said.
