Sofax Fluorspar Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese technology firm Mizztech Group.

Sofax Fluorspar Kenya has entered into an agreement with Mizztech Group to refurbish its fluorspar processing plant located at the Kimwarer open-cast fluorspar mine in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya. The signing ceremony took place at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in Nairobi, marking the start of a comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Mizztech Group. This contract is expected to be finalised within six months, after which the construction and refurbishment of the processing plant will commence.

The company has acquired a 25-year lease from the Kenyan State Department of Mining, granting it the rights to mine, mill, and market acid-grade fluorspar. However, the Kimwarer fluorspar mine has encountered delays so far due to logistical and organisational challenges. As of April 2025, Sofax was still working on finalising necessary documentation, including obtaining approvals from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), as well as repairing machinery and refurbishing the factory and housing units.

Interest in fluorspar mining in Kenya has been rising, with recent reports indicating that an unnamed Chinese company has initiated discussions with local communities in Kaeris Ward, Turkana North, earlier this year. These discussions focused on the potential exploration and extraction of fluorspar deposits, as a preliminary assessment revealed sufficient quantities in the area. Although not located in the same region as the Kimwarer mine, this development indicates a growing interest in fluorspar mining in Kenya.

Historically, the Kimwarer mine played a significant role in the fluorspar industry before its closure in 2015. With a production capacity of 106ktpy, its exports were primarily directed to countries such as India, Italy, and the Netherlands. The closure was largely due to a downturn in demand for fluorspar and low mineral prices, which impacted the mine's economic viability.