Hasetins Breaks Ground on $400M Rare Earth Plant

Hasetins has begun construction of a $400 million, 12,000 tonnes per annum rare earth and critical metal processing plant in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, marking a major step in local mineral value addition.

The facility will process rare earths and critical commodities used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, consumer electronics and defence applications, and is reported to include capacity for metals such as platinum, uranium and chromium. Hasetins will supplement mined feedstock with material sourced from artisanal miners, offering training, equipment and a stable market to support local livelihoods.

State and federal officials framed the project as strategic for industrialisation and job creation. Governor Abdullahi Sule called it a first for Nigeria and a catalyst for a high-technology hub. The Minister of Solid Minerals highlighted a policy shift toward onshore separation, smelting and refining to retain more value, while the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Minister of State for Labour underscored international collaboration, youth employment and occupational safety standards. The deputy governor credited improved security for attracting investors.

Hasetins CEO Prince Jidayi described the groundbreaking as a milestone for sustainable processing, skills transfer and downstream industry growth, with the plant intended to support domestic supply chains and generate significant direct and indirect employment.