Shadrack Nyakoe
Sofax Fluorspar Kenya has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mizztech Group of China to refurbish its Kerio Valley-based processing plant, marking a significant milestone in the revival of Kenya’s fluorspar mining operations.
The agreement, signed at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) headquarters in Nairobi, sets the stage for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract expected to be concluded within the next six months.
The partnership comes just a month after Sofax Fluorspar Kenya secured a 25-year mining licence (ML/2025/0216) from the State Department of Mining. The licence, valid until 3rd June 2050, grants the company rights to mine, mill, and market Acidspar Grade Fluorspar (97% CaF₂). Under the terms, Sofax is mandated to revive fluorspar mining, refurbish its processing plant, and position the commodity for the export market under the Sofax Fluorspar Project.
Speaking during the ceremony, Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Chief Executive Officer, John Masanda, hailed the agreement as a transformative step in Kenya’s mining sector:
“This MoU with Mizztech Group is not just about refurbishing a plant; it is about unlocking the full potential of the Kerio Valley fluorspar reserves, creating jobs, and positioning Kenya as a competitive player in the global fluorspar market. This marks a major step in revamping our processing operations and delivering value to our stakeholders over the next 25 years.”
Mizztech Group CEO, Charles Cheng, emphasized the global significance of fluorspar and its diverse industrial applications:
“Fluorspar is a critical mineral used in the production of steel, aluminium, glass, ceramics, and various chemical applications. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to Kerio Valley, ensuring world-class processing standards that meet the demands of global markets.”
KNCCI Ag CEO KK Mutai, who witnessed the signing, commended the partnership, noting that it aligns with Kenya’s industrialization goals and the Chamber’s mandate to facilitate trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.
“This is the kind of transformative collaboration that demonstrates the power of linking Kenyan enterprises with international partners. It will not only boost the mining sector but also contribute to our broader economic growth agenda.”
The refurbishment of the processing plant is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and increase Kenya’s export earnings from the mining sector.
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