In a transformative move for East Africa’s extractive sector, Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd and China’s Mizztech Group have officially entered the execution phase of the Kerio Valley Fluorspar Project.
On December 11, 2025, the entities signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to refurbish the region’s dormant processing plant, signaling a full-scale revival of Kenya’s fluorspar industry.
The agreement follows a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2025. Sofax Fluorspar Kenya, the project operator, holds a 25-year mining license (ML/2025/0216) granted in July 2025, valid until 2050.
The Global and Local Fluorspar Outlook
The revival comes at a critical juncture as fluorspar, specifically Acidspar Grade (97% $CaF_2$)—is now recognised as a key mineral for the green energy transition.
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Global Demand: The fluorspar market is projected to reach USD 3.39 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.59% according to Stellar Market Research.
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EV Battery Synergy: High-purity acidspar is essential for producing Lithium Hexafluorophosphate ($LiPF_6$), the electrolyte salt used in EV batteries. Approximately 1.1 kg of fluorspar is required for every 1 kWh of battery capacity.
- Historically, Kenya produced between 100,000 to 130,000 tonnes annually before operations ceased in 2018.
Modernizing the Kerio Valley Plant
John Masanda (CEO, Sofax Fluorspar) and Charles Cheng (CEO, Mizztech Group), will focus on upgrading mechanical, electrical, and chemical processing systems.
“Our goal is clear: to restore the plant to world-class standards and elevate Kenya’s position as a global supplier of Acidspar Grade Fluorspar,” stated Charles Cheng during the signing ceremony.
The refurbishment is engineered to:
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Increase Recovery Rates: Utilizing Mizztech’s advanced sorting and flotation technologies.
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Optimize Output: Targeting the 97% purity threshold required for international chemical and battery markets.
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Ensure Reliability: Stabilizing the supply chain for export venues via the Port of Mombasa.
Strategic Impact and Industry Governance
The signing ceremony, hosted by Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, Chairman of the Kenya Chamber of Mines, took place during the 2025 Annual Gala Dinner. The project aligns with Kenya’s Mining Act 2016, which mandates specific royalty sharing: 70% to the National Government, 20% to the County Government, and 10% to the local community.
The partnership will create direct jobs in Elgeyo Marakwet County and restore Kenya’s status alongside South Africa and Morocco as one of the few active fluorspar producers on the continent.
