Nigeria to Host Africa’s Largest Rare Earth Processing Plant with $400 Million Investment

In a move set to redefine Africa’s mining landscape, Nigeria is now home to the continent’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant, thanks to a $400 million investment supported by the Federal Government.

Spearheaded by Hasetins Commodities Limited, the landmark project is expected to:

• Double Nigeria’s processing capacity to 12,000 metric tonnes

• Support over 10,000 new jobs nationwide

• Position Nigeria as a key player in global strategic mineral supply chains

Announcing the development during a weekend visit by Hasetins’ executive team, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, praised the initiative as a direct win from the Tinubu administration’s mining sector reforms.

“We are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria,” Alake said.
“Your patriotic zeal confirms our policies are on the right track and delivering real results.”

The plant will process rare earth elements and platinum group metals, which are essential to industries like defense, tech, and clean energy. 

Hasetins CEO, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, said the project also includes:

• Regional metal separation facilities

• Training and equipment support for artisanal miners

• Early-stage beneficiation to help local miners earn faster returns

“Regulatory reforms like mining marshals and streamlined licensing gave us the confidence to deepen our investments here,” Ijudigal noted.

Peter Butt, Hasetins’ Corporate Affairs Director, added that Nigeria’s new mining vision under Dr. Alake offers inclusive and sustainable growth pathways. 

“This project is a cornerstone of our broader strategy to make the solid minerals sector a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP,” Dr. Alake emphasized.

With mining as a key pillar of Nigeria’s post-oil economy, the ministry reiterated its full support for the plant and related ventures aimed at driving industrialization and innovation.