Kenya Fluorspar Company History and Operations

The Kenya Fluorspar Company has a rich history that dates back to 1976 when it was established as a state corporation.

The company's primary objective was to exploit the fluorspar mineral deposits found in the Kerio Valley.

The Kerio Valley is a significant source of fluorspar in Kenya, and the company's operations are centered around extracting this mineral.

The fluorspar extracted from the Kerio Valley is used in the production of hydrofluoric acid, which is a key component in the manufacture of aluminum and other chemicals.

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The Kenya Fluorspar Company has a rich history that spans over five decades. The company's journey began in 1967 when fluorspar deposits were first discovered in the Kerio Valley region of Kenya.

The Kenyan government established the Fluorspar Company of Kenya to exploit these deposits on a large scale, acquiring 3,664 hectares of land from approximately 1,400 families in the Kerio Valley region.

In 1997, the company faced tough trading conditions due to increased competition from China, which led to unsustainable falling prices. This, combined with the removal of the export compensation mechanism, contributed to the company's collapse.

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The Fluorspar Company of Kenya was privatized in line with the Economic Reforms of 1996-1998. Canadian entrepreneur Charles Field-Marsham purchased the company and revived fluorspar mining in Kenya.

Under the 1987 Mining Act, the newly formed Kenya Fluorspar Company Limited was granted a Mining Operating Licence and Special Mining Lease for 21 years, ending in March 2018.

By 2011, the company was producing up to 100,000 to 130,000 tonnes of fluorspar per year and had a workforce of 400 employees.

The Kenya Fluorspar Company's operations have been a significant contributor to the country's economy, with production valued at $14 million in 2005.

The company's mining activities took place on land leased from the Government of Kenya, with the land acquired through a compulsory purchase order in 1976 and 1986, respectively.

In 2012, the company completed a de-bottlenecking of its processing plant, increasing its total capacity to 120,000 tonnes.

The company's output in 2011 was 108,000 tonnes, and it increased to 121,000 tonnes after the de-bottlenecking.

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Kenya Fluorspar Company is the only major industry in the former Keiyo District, and its operations have a significant impact on the local economy.

The company's processing plant is located 24 km from Nyaru, at Kimwarer, and is a notable feature of the area.

The company has taken various steps to address environmental concerns, including dust and spillage reduction, water purification and recycling, and tree planting.

The company complies with NEMA requirements and holds a certificate of environmental compliance.

In 2016, the company suspended its operations due to poor international market prices for the minerals, resulting in the loss of jobs for about 500 people.

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The Kenya Fluorspar Company has a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. They have been actively involved in the local community for many years.

One notable example of their community engagement is their sponsorship of the annual 10 km road running competition in Kerio Valley. This event brings together local residents and athletes from around the country.

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The company also sponsors the Fluorspar F.C. football team, which competes in the Nationwide League. This shows their dedication to supporting local sports and talent.

Their corporate social responsibilities program provides valuable services to their employees and the local community, including health and education facilities. This is a significant investment in the well-being and development of the people living and working in the area.

The company's commitment to corporate social responsibility has earned them a reputation as a responsible and caring employer. This is reflected in their status as a leading employer in the area, with a workforce of over 400 people.

Sofax Fluorspar Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mizztech Group of China to refurbish its Kerio Valley-based processing plant.

The agreement sets the stage for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract expected to be concluded within the next six months.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in the revival of Kenya’s fluorspar mining operations.

The MoU was signed at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) headquarters in Nairobi.

This marks a major step in revamping Sofax Fluorspar Kenya's processing operations and delivering value to its stakeholders over the next 25 years.

Sofax Fluorspar Kenya is mandated to revive fluorspar mining, refurbish its processing plant, and position the commodity for the export market under the Sofax Fluorspar Project.

The licence granted to Sofax Fluorspar Kenya is valid until 3rd June 2050.

The partnership aims to bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to Kerio Valley, ensuring world-class processing standards that meet the demands of global markets.

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.

This collaboration demonstrates the power of linking Kenyan enterprises with international partners, boosting the mining sector and contributing to Kenya's broader economic growth agenda.

The deal will position Kenya as a competitive player in the global fluorspar market, creating jobs and unlocking the full potential of the Kerio Valley fluorspar reserves.

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