Mining
Mining
Vision
To become a leading hub for mining excellence in the region, integrating education, research, and commercial services to drive responsible and efficient mineral exploration and extraction.
Mission
To provide innovative, sustainable, and science-driven mining solutions by leveraging academic expertise, advanced technology, and industry best practices to support Malawi's mineral resource development.

MUBAS Commercial Limited (MCL) operates a dedicated Mining unit that serves as a hub for cutting-edge mining solutions, blending academic research with practical industry applications. As part of Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences' commercial arm, the unit brings scientific rigor and innovation to mineral exploration, mine development, and sustainable resource management across the region.  

The Mining unit delivers a full spectrum of professional consulting services designed to support every phase of mining operations. Geological experts provide mineral exploration consulting using advanced techniques to identify and evaluate mineral deposits, while mining engineers develop optimized mine plans that balance productivity with environmental considerations. The geotechnical team conducts comprehensive site investigations, analyzing soil and rock mechanics to ensure safe slope designs and stable foundations for mining infrastructure. Environmental specialists conduct impact assessments and monitoring programs to help clients meet regulatory requirements and implement responsible mining practices.  

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities support these services with precise analytical capabilities. The geotechnical laboratory performs specialized tests on soil and rock samples, determining critical engineering properties like shear strength, permeability, and consolidation characteristics. In the metallurgical lab, technicians conduct mineral processing tests including flotation, gravity separation, and leaching to optimize recovery rates. The geochemistry lab offers advanced assay services for precious metals and trace elements, while the petrographic lab provides detailed mineralogical analysis through thin-section microscopy. These laboratory services provide the scientific foundation for sound decision-making in exploration and mine development.  

Field operations are enhanced by modern geophysical equipment and surveying technologies. Teams deploy resistivity meters and magnetometers for subsurface mapping to locate mineral deposits and groundwater resources. Drones equipped with advanced sensors capture high-resolution imagery for 3D mapping and resource estimation. Ground vibration monitoring systems assess blast impacts, helping to minimize environmental effects on surrounding areas. The unit also maintains specialized equipment for core drilling, sample preparation, and gemstone processing.  

Complementing these technical services, the Mining unit offers professional development programs through specialized short courses. These training opportunities cover essential industry skills such as blast design, geological mapping techniques, and gemstone cutting and polishing. The courses combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, contributing to workforce development in Malawi's growing mining sector.  

With its combination of academic expertise, advanced technology, and practical industry experience, MCL's Mining unit is uniquely positioned to support sustainable mineral development. The unit continues to expand its capabilities, focusing on innovative solutions that address the technical challenges of modern mining while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement. By integrating research with real-world applications, the Mining unit plays a vital role in developing Malawi's mineral resources responsibly and efficiently.

Gift Tsokonombwe
Manager

A skilled and results-driven Geological Engineer with over twelve years of practical experience in mineral exploration, orebody modelling, resource estimation, and mine geology. I bring a strong geoscientific foundation combined with engineering expertise to support efficient and sustainable mining operations. My work emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and maximizing resource value.

I have a proven track record from my time at the Geological Survey Department (2010–2018), where I led and contributed to numerous mineral resource projects, geological assessments, and environmental management initiatives. My expertise spans across project planning, data interpretation, geological modelling, and stakeholder engagement.
Academically, I hold a First Class BSc in Earth Sciences and a research-based Master’s Degree in Geology, specializing in renewable energy, geothermal sciences, and natural resource management. Currently, I contribute to mining research and technical innovation through MUBAS Commercial Limited and the Department of Mining Engineering at MUBAS, driving solutions that align with modern mining practices and sustainability goals
 

Our Services
Ready to Serve. Explore Our Range of Expert Services.
Consultancies

Our consultancy services provide end-to-end technical expertise across geotechnical, mining, metallurgical, and environmental disciplines, delivering tailored solutions to optimize operations and ensure sustainable resource management. We specialize in geotechnical investigations, mine planning and design, blast vibration monitoring, ventilation systems, groundwater analysis, and mineral exploration, alongside value-added services like gemstone cutting and metallurgical failure analysis. 

Our team also offers comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), tailings management, and process audits to enhance efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance. With cutting-edge technology and cross-disciplinary knowledge, we support industries in maximizing productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility—from site characterization to final resource recovery.

Laboratory Testing Facilities

Our advanced laboratory provides comprehensive testing services for geotechnical, mineralogical, hydrogeological, and metallurgical applications. We conduct soil and rock strength tests (shear strength, compaction, permeability) for construction and mining projects, along with mineral identification (XRD, XRF, microscopy) to determine ore composition and quality. 

Our groundwater quality analysis assesses chemical contaminants, pH, and potability, while metallurgical testing evaluates metal extraction efficiency, alloy durability, and processing methods. Additionally, we offer mineral separation techniques (gravity, magnetic, and flotation separation) to optimize mineral recovery. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, our lab ensures precise, industry-compliant results for engineering, mining, and environmental projects.

Hiring of Equipment

We offer a wide range of advanced geological, geophysical, and surveying equipment for short- or long-term rental, supported by expert guidance to ensure accurate data collection and operational efficiency. Our inventory includes:

  • Resistivity Meter – For subsurface imaging and groundwater exploration.
  • Seismometer – Measures ground vibrations for blast monitoring or seismic studies.
  • Magnetometer – Detects magnetic anomalies in mineral prospecting and archaeological surveys.
  • Radiometer – Assesses radiation levels in environmental and mining applications.
  • Geo-seeker – Provides rapid geophysical profiling for soil and mineral analysis.
  • Drone (UAV) with LiDAR/Photogrammetry – High-resolution aerial mapping for terrain modeling and site inspections.
  • Total Station – Precision land surveying for construction and mining layouts.
  • Geological Mapping Kit – Field tools (compass, GPS, rock hammers) for on-site sample collection.
  • Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) Sampling Machine – Monitors air quality in underground mines and confined spaces.
Short Courses
  • Blast Designs and ground vibration monitoring
  • Interpretation and application of geotechnical tests
  • Entrepreneurship in mining
  • Gemstone cutting and Polishing