By Chimezie Godfrey
In the heart of Nasarawa State, in the town of Uke, the ground shook this Wednesday, not from conflict, but from the promise of economic transformation. Earthmovers, cranes, and construction crews converged on the site of what is set to become Africa’s largest rare-earth and critical metals processing plant, a $400 million initiative led by Hasetins Commodities Limited.
The event was more than a construction launch. It was a symbol of Nigeria’s resolve to move from exporting raw minerals to processing value locally, creating jobs, transferring skills, and positioning the country as a key player in global high-tech industries.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the moment as “a patriotic revolution to set Nigeria on the path of self-reliance, commonwealth, and prosperity for all.”
“With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare-earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the President, the Ministry, and the Nigerian people, I commend your commitment to this vital sector. Your patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track and producing tangible results,”Dr. Alake said.
The Uke plant is designed to process rare-earth minerals that power electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and high-tech electronics. The facility will initially handle 6,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of rare-earth ores, with plans to expand to 18,000 tpa, making it the largest of its kind on the continent.
For Hasetins Commodities, Nigeria was a natural choice due to recent government reforms that created a predictable and secure mining environment.
“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey, which marks a significant milestone for Hasetins and underscores our commitment to sustainable resource management,” said Prince Jidayi, Managing Director of Hasetins.
“This facility will not only increase our processing capacity but will also accommodate the rising demand for feedstock from our mining sites and provide additional opportunities for artisanal miners in the area.”
Unlike traditional mining projects, Hasetins’ model emphasizes community integration and skills transfer, ensuring that local miners are directly involved in pre-processing ores and technical operations.
The Federal Government framed the Uke project as a pillar of its economic diversification strategy.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to this project. We will provide all necessary institutional support because initiatives like this bring us closer to our long-term national objectives,” Dr. Alake stated.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, the solid minerals sector has seen unprecedented growth. In 2023, Nigeria produced over 108 million metric tonnes of minerals, ranking 24th globally, while contributing nearly $49 billion in monetary value to the economy.
Dr. Alake emphasized the value addition policy, which encourages investors to refine minerals domestically instead of exporting raw ores:
“This project represents over 10,000 new jobs and will spur skills transfer while enhancing the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the economy.”
Other government initiatives, including streamlined licensing processes, deployment of mining marshals, and increased security in mining zones, have further strengthened investor confidence.
Rare-earth minerals are among the most strategically critical resources in the global economy. They are essential in electric vehicles, smartphones, defense systems, and renewable energy technologies. By processing these minerals domestically, Nigeria positions itself to capture more value, reduce reliance on foreign refiners, and foster industrialization.
“Our patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track,” Dr. Alake said, stressing that domestic beneficiation will create employment, strengthen local communities, and elevate Nigeria’s role in the global minerals market.
Community leaders in Uke welcomed the plant as a source of jobs, infrastructure, and social development. The Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government assured the project team:“We will be partners in progress. This project is a rallying point for unity, responsibility, and vision in our community.”
The plant is designed to integrate artisanal miners, enabling them to pre-process minerals locally, reducing the need for intermediaries, and ensuring economic benefits remain in the community.
The Uke plant is expected to directly employ thousands of engineers, geologists, metallurgists, and laboratory scientists. Training programs and technical skills transfer will help build a pipeline of highly skilled Nigerian professionals, ready to support future industrial ventures.
Peter Butt, Director of Corporate Affairs at Hasetins, noted the importance of government reforms in facilitating the project:
“The Minister’s value addition policy and the structured mining environment were central to Hasetins’ decision to invest in Nigeria.”
Hasetins has emphasized environmental stewardship, including land reclamation, safe chemical handling, and community health monitoring. These measures aim to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable operations, setting a benchmark for future mining projects in Nigeria.
Beyond economics, the Uke plant promises technological and educational advancement. Universities may expand courses in rare-earth metallurgy, local enterprises could grow to supply ancillary services, and downstream industries — producing magnets, MRI components, and batteries — could emerge locally.
“Few sectors can match mining in its ability to create jobs across the skills spectrum, from professionals to artisans,” noted a senior official from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The construction will occur in phases, with capacity growing from 6,000 tpa to 18,000 tpa. Upon completion, Nigeria could become one of the few African nations exporting refined rare-earth products, signaling a significant step up the global value chain.
If successful, the plant could attract further investment in technology, energy, and manufacturing, transforming Nasarawa State into an industrial hub.
The groundbreaking in Uke is more than a ceremonial event; it is a national experiment in industrial ambition. Success will depend on consistent government policy, regulatory clarity, environmental responsibility, and strong community engagement.
Dr. Alake captured the stakes: “If countries that were comparatively poorer than us three decades ago could suddenly emerge as economic giants, then we can, and we shall, build Nigeria as an economic giant as well.”
As shovels dug into the Nasarawa soil, the message was clear: this is not just a plant—it is a national statement of intent, a test of Nigeria’s industrial resolve, and a potential template for Africa’s rare-earth future.
The Uke facility will not only transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector but will also serve as a beacon for sustainable industrial development across the continent.
For Nigeria, the Uke plant represents a strategic move on self-reliance, industrialization, and global competitiveness, a $400 million investment that signals a new industrial era.