Chinese Firm Takes Charge of Fluorspar Mining in Kenya

Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd and Mizztech Group of China is set to lead the revival of Kenya’s fluorspar mining industry with the signing of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the refurbishment of the Fluorspar Processing Plant in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

This follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 14th August 2025 between the two entities, which laid the foundation for a long-term technical and investment partnership. Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd is the operator of the Kerio Valley Fluorspar Project under the Concession Agreement and Mining Licence ML/2025/0216 issued in July this year.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on 11th December 2025, Sofax Fluorspar Kenya CEO, John Masanda, described the EPC contract as a decisive step towards unlocking Kenya’s mineral potential.

Mizztech Group CEO, Charles Cheng said the fluorspar mining deal marks a new chapter for the Kerio Valley Fluorspar Project. “With this EPC agreement, we now move from planning to execution. Our goal is clear: to restore the plant to world-class standards, optimize production, and elevate Kenya’s position as a global supplier of Acidspar Grade Fluorspar which a critical mineral used in manufacturing the electrolyte of the EV batteries,’’ said Mr Cheng.

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Fluorspar is a strategic industrial mineral, and this project presents a unique opportunity to deploy advanced processing technologies that will significantly improve output quality and reliability, he said.

The EPC agreement was signed by Mr John Masanda, CEO, with David Orgut, Director, co-signing for Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd while Mr. Charles Cheng, CEO, signed on behalf of Mizztech Group, co-signed by Eng. Arthur Mgongo, Regional Director, Mizztech East Africa.

The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, Chairman, Kenya Chamber of Mines, on the sidelines of the Kenya Chamber of Mines Gala Dinner 2025. The refurbishment project will involve comprehensive upgrades to the plant’s mechanical, electrical, and processing systems, enabling higher recovery rates and improved operational efficiency. Once completed, the modernized facility is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s fluorspar export capacity and enhance its competitiveness in the global minerals market.

Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, Chairman, Kenya Chamber of Mines said the partnership between Sofax Fluorspar Kenya and Mizztech Group demonstrates the level of strategic collaboration needed to unlock the full value of our mineral resources. “By combining local commitment with international engineering expertise, this project sets a new benchmark for responsible, technology-driven mineral development,” he said.

The signing marks the official transition from conceptual planning to active implementation of the Kerio Valley fluorspar project; mine revival and plant refurbishment. This development further positions Sofax Fluorspar Kenya and Mizztech Group as strategic partners in strengthening Kenya’s mining sector and advancing national industrialization objectives.

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