Dr. Joshua Chisambi

Dr. Joshua Chisambi

Author

Mining

10 publications

Joshua Chisambi is a lecturer in the Department of Mining Engineering at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). He has over 10 years of practical industrial experience in Geotechnical Investigations, Geological mapping, Mineral exploration, Structural Geology, Environmental...

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Geologic structures associated with gold mineralization in the Kirk Range area in Southern Malawi

Journal Article
Published 2 years ago, 607 views
Author
Dr. Joshua Chisambi
Co-authors
Dr. Joshua Chisambi
Abstract
In this contribution, we use a newly acquired high-resolution airborne geophysical data set and field geological investigations in the Kirk Range area in southern Malawi to understand structures that control gold mineralization. Gold in this area is alluvial, mined by artisanal miners and detailed information regarding the structures controlling primary mineralization remains sparse. Structural interpretations are afforded by in-depth investigation of airborne magnetic and radiometric data, which are then supported by ground geological mapping and by microscopic observations using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and optical microscopy. The results show that the Kirk Range displays extensive faulting and shearing with a NE–SW trend as the prevalent structural grain of the region. Gold mineralization is hosted in NE–SW trending structures. The wall rock alteration associated with gold mineralization results in a pronounced K/Th anomaly, which is suggested as an important radiometric guide for future exploration efforts. Exploration in the Kirk Range region should focus on the NE–SW structures, which represent potential conduits for fluid flow.
Year of Publication
2021
Journal Name
Open Geosciences
Volume
13
Issue
1
Page Numbers
1345-1357
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