FG, investors break ground on $400m metal processing plant in Nasarawa

Top federal and state government officials, industry leaders and foreign investors have performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a $400 million Hasetins metal and rare-earth processing plant in Nasarawa State. The event, held in Uke, Karu Local Government Area, drew key actors from the public and private sectors who described the project as a significant step […]

Top federal and state government officials, industry leaders and foreign investors have performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a $400 million Hasetins metal and rare-earth processing plant in Nasarawa State.

The event, held in Uke, Karu Local Government Area, drew key actors from the public and private sectors who described the project as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing drive towards industrialisation, value addition and economic diversification.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the project represents a major turning point in the country’s mineral development strategy and aligns with the federal government’s commitment to build a more productive, self-sustaining economy.

He said the sector has recorded remarkable progress in recent years, reflecting reforms introduced since 2023.

“Remittances from licensing fees to the federation account have increased from N6 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024, to N26 billion as at October 2025.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, who has turned the solid minerals sector into the newest pillar of growth of the Nigerian economy, the seven-point agenda inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda has increased the security of the sector, enabled more investors to mine, and enforced compliance with the mining laws.

“There is no doubt that the policy of value addition has been a change-maker. It rejects the dubious colonial absurdity of exporting raw minerals at a colossal loss to domestic stakeholders, from the communities in mining areas to the traders.

“Instead, it creates the conducive legal and policy environment to encourage investors to separate, process, smelt, and refine extracted minerals for local beneficiation, skills transfer, and mass employment.

“Nigeria’s role in championing this cause has been acknowledged by other mining countries in Africa. The evidence is Nigeria’s current and pioneer chairmanship of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, set up by ministers of mining in Africa to push the agenda,” the minister said.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the deputy governor but also addressed participants virtually, said the project marks a historic moment not only for Nasarawa State but for the country’s mining and industrial sectors.

“For the first time in Nigeria, we are proud to have a metal processing plant in our state. It is a huge investment that we should be proud of,” he said.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing efforts to strengthen the solid minerals sector and deliver on the administration’s economic transformation agenda.

The Hasetins facility is expected to contribute to job creation, boost mineral value addition, and position Nasarawa as a leading hub for mineral processing in the country.