Precious Anga
Lagos — The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded on the construction of Hasetins Commodities Limited’s $400 million rare earth processing plant in Uke, Nasarawa State, describing the project as a major step towards boosting value addition in Nigeria’s mining sector.
A government delegation led by Director of Mining Inspectorate at the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ganiyu Imam, recently inspected the facility to assess compliance with regulatory, environmental and safety standards.
The project is expected to add 12,000 tonnes per annum to Hasetins’ existing processing capacity, raising total output to 18,000 tonnes annually and positioning Nigeria as a leading rare earth processing hub in Africa.
Speaking after the inspection, Imam said the ministry was impressed by the level of compliance demonstrated by the company and urged management to sustain existing safety and environmental measures throughout the project lifecycle.
Also speaking, a Deputy Director at the ministry, Oladehinde Oladusi, who represented the Director of Mines Environmental Compliance, Vivian Okono, commended the quality of work at the site and the deployment of modern processing equipment.
“The commitment we have seen here is different from the old narrative of companies simply entering communities, extracting minerals and leaving. The level of planning, infrastructure and environmental responsibility is commendable,” Oladusi said.
He particularly praised Hasetins for conducting a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before commencing the project and for adopting technologies designed to minimise the environmental risks associated with mining activities.
“One of the things that impressed me most is the company’s proactive approach to environmental protection. Preparing a detailed environmental and social impact assessment is a key requirement for a project of this scale, and it demonstrates serious commitment to responsible mining,” he added.
The ministry also encouraged the company to strengthen engagement with host communities through a robust Community Development Agreement to ensure long-term peace and mutual benefits.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hasetins Commodities Limited, Prince Jidayi, thanked the Federal Government, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and other stakeholders for their support.
Jidayi said the facility represents a shift from Nigeria’s long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals without processing.
“For decades, the story has been one of extraction and export. This project changes that narrative. The plant will process rare earth elements and other critical minerals, including tantalum, tungsten and tin, creating more value within Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the company is deploying advanced closed-loop processing technologies that minimise environmental impact, ensure responsible tailings management and protect water resources and air quality.
“We believe the materials needed for the global energy transition should be processed in a way that protects local communities and the environment,” Jidayi added.
Beyond the Nasarawa facility, Hasetins plans to establish regional and satellite mineral separation centres across the country to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners into a structured supply chain.
The company said the initiative would provide miners with safety equipment, technical training and guaranteed offtake arrangements aimed at improving livelihoods and formalising mining operations in rural communities.
The rare earth processing plant is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s drive towards mineral beneficiation, create jobs and increase the country’s participation in the global critical minerals value chain.
