Sofax Fluorspar Kenya, Mizztech Group Sign EPC Contract to Revive Kerio Valley Processing Plant

Kenya’s mining sector received a major boost on Thursday after Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Ltd and China’s Mizztech Group signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to refurbish the long-dormant Kerio Valley Fluorspar Processing Plant in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The agreement marks a decisive step toward the revival of Kenya’s fluorspar industry and follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on August 14, 2025, which laid the groundwork for a long-term investment and technical partnership between the two companies. Sofax Fluorspar Kenya is the operator of the Kerio Valley Fluorspar Project under the Mining Licence ML/2025/0216 issued in July 2025.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Chief Executive Officer John Masanda said the EPC contract signals the transition from planning to full-scale implementation of the mining project.

“Today 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, a critical mineral used in manufacturing the electrolyte of EV batteries,” Masanda stated. “The project will impact the local community and the country at large.”

Mizztech Group CEO Charles Cheng emphasized the company’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies to boost production efficiency and output quality.

“Our collaboration with Sofax Fluorspar Kenya is anchored on technology, efficiency, and sustainable operations. 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,” Cheng said. “We are honoured to contribute to Kenya’s mining renaissance.”

The EPC contract was signed by Mr. Masanda and Director David Orgut on behalf of Sofax Fluorspar Kenya, while Mr. Cheng and Eng. Arthur Mgongo, Mizztech East Africa Regional Director, signed for Mizztech Group. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Patrick Kanyoro, Chairman of the Kenya Chamber of Mines, during the Chamber’s 2025 Gala Dinner.

Dr. Kanyoro praised the partnership as a model for the kind of strategic collaboration needed to unlock the value of Kenya’s mineral wealth.

“By combining local commitment with international engineering expertise, this project sets a new benchmark for responsible, technology-driven mineral development,” he said. “The revival of the Kerio Valley fluorspar operations will catalyze investment, enhance sector competitiveness, and deliver meaningful economic opportunities for communities and the country.”

The refurbishment will include major upgrades to the processing plant’s mechanical, electrical and mineral recovery systems. Once completed, the modernized facility is expected to improve recovery rates, increase production efficiency, and significantly boost Kenya’s fluorspar export capacity in the global minerals market.

The signing officially ushers in the implementation phase of the Kerio Valley fluorspar revival project, reinforcing Sofax Fluorspar Kenya and Mizztech Group’s position as key partners in the growth of Kenya’s mining sector and national industrialization agenda.