Highlights
- Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development plans to build Africa’s largest rare earth mineral processing plant.
- The project involves a $400 million investment.
- It is part of an $800 million foreign investment in Nasarawa’s solid minerals sector.
- The project is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs.
- Critical details about investors, specific rare earth elements, and export markets remain undisclosed.
In a bold move to reposition Nigeria as a key player in the global rare earth supply chain, the country’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has announced a $400 million deal for the construction of what will be Africa’s largest rare earth mineral processing plant in Nasarawa State. Nasarawa is a state in North Central Nigeria, created from Plateau State in 1996, and bordered by Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory. It comprises thirteen local government areas, with its capital in Lafia and a major economic hub in the Karu Urban Area near Abuja. This investment marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push to add local value and reduce raw material exports.
As reported in All Africa (opens in a new tab), according to the minister, the new facility—part of a broader $800 million influx of foreign investment into Nasarawa’s solid minerals sector—will create over 10,000 jobs and establish satellite separation centers nationwide to distribute economic benefits. The investor(s) behind this project, however, have yet to be named, and key financial, technical, and operational details remain undisclosed.
This announcement also coincides with a surge in lithium mining in the region, including an imminent commissioning of what Governor Abdullahi Sule claims will be Nigeria’s largest lithium processing facility, owned by Julian Mining (UK) and Kanmas.
Critical Gaps for Investors to Watch:
- Who’s Backing the Rare Earth Deal? No corporate names, funding structure, or technology partners have been disclosed .This raises questions about project viability and execution timeline.
- What Specific REEs? The announcement did not specify which rare earth elements (e.g., NdPr, Dy, Tb) will be targeted, nor their expected off-take arrangements or processing capabilities.
- How Will Security and Infrastructure Be Managed? Nasarawa is resource-rich but has experienced sporadic instability. Investors should monitor for risk-mitigation plans and government support guarantees.
- Where’s the Export Market? Without downstream customers or regional refining partners, Africa’s largest REE plant could struggle with commercialization.
While the announcement signals geopolitical momentum in diversifying rare earth supply chains beyond China, it leaves retail investors and global stakeholders with more questions than answers. Due diligence and follow-through will determine whether this is a breakthrough or a headline without substance.
Note REEx has reached out to the Minister in an attempt to connect and learn more about the project.
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