ANS – Mapping the geology of the country

         - Conducting mineral exploration

         - Assessment and monitoring of geo-hazards

          - Provision of geo-technical advice

          - Analysis of geological samples

         -  Provision of geo-scientific information

         - Promotion of geoscientific information for the development of the mining industry

ANS-samples are collected for laboratory analysis to ascertain the minerals found in a particular area

        -samples are being archived

ANS. Contact GSD the report is available at a minimal price.

ANS. YES

ANS. 1922

ANS. 2 regional offices, 6 stations and Headquarters.

ANS. The project was not aimed at finding gold but potential areas where we may find different precious minerals.

ANS. They need as many samples as possible so that they can make informed decision whether to go ahead with mining or not.

ANS; Our main work is to determine different elements on samples which we receive from geologists and outside clients

ANS: We cannot judge whether there is gold in these samples from visual observation hence we use equipment such as the XRF, AAS and Petrographic analysis through microscopes.

ANS: This is due to the fact that there hasn’t been as extensive historical geological work in Malawi as there has been done in neighbouring countries. Current Government has priotised mining, hence we expect to develop a few mines going forward.

ANS: Chitipa, Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhatabay, Kasungu, Dowa, Salima, Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Zomba, Chikwawa and Nsanje districts.

ANS:Geological Survey Department is not concerned with the market analysis of precious and semi-precious stones-this is the obligation of the small-scale miners

ANS; There is gold in Malawi, but diamonds have not yet been discovered, however rock units such as Kimberlites that are usually associated diamonds occurrence are available. In addition, Malawi’s geological setting is not favourable for diamond mineralisation-Currently we do not have any gold samples

ANS. These licences are obtained from the Department of Mines which has offices in Mzuzu, Lilongwe (Headquarters) and Blantyre

ANS: This is the mandate of the Commissioner of Mines and Minerals.

ANS: Yes, these include XRF, XRD and Petrographic Microscopes. They serve different purposes depending on service requested.

ANS: At present we do not have but we are in the process of procuring

ANS. One has to know more information of the geology of the area by accessing available information at GSD, all issues of registration are carried out at Mines Department (Blantyre, Lilongwe (Headquarters) and Mzuzu

ANS: Yes there are High Resolution Airborne Maps that were produced under MGGSP (locally dubbed Kauniuni) which was sponsored by World Bank and EU. Soon we will also have Geological Maps at various scales, produced under GEMMAP. There has been also several technical reports in localised areas produced by the Department on specific topics e.g on geological mapping, geochemical surveys, geophysics, geohazards assessment e.t.c.

ANS: Yes. The public is encouraged to access information on geology and mineral resources of Malawi to make informed decisions. Classified information is sold at nominal fees.