Dr. Joshua Chisambi is the Head of the Department of Mining Engineering. He brings to the institution more than a decade of robust industrial and technical experience in geosciences, spanning geotechnical investigations, geological mapping, mineral exploration, structural geology, environmental impact assessment, GIS, and remote sensing. His career integrates deep field-based expertise with advanced analytical capabilities, positioning him as one of the leading Earth science professionals contributing to the development of Malawi’s mining and geological sectors.
Before joining academia, Dr. Chisambi served as a Geologist at the Department of Geological Surveys, where he was actively involved in nationwide geological investigations and exploration initiatives. His transition into academia was driven by a commitment to advancing geoscience education, strengthening research capacity, and nurturing the next generation of mining professionals equipped to address both national and global resource challenges.
He holds a PhD in Geology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, an MSc in Applied Earth Sciences from the University of Twente (ITC) in the Netherlands, and a BSc in Geology from the University of Malawi. His academic journey through these internationally recognized institutions has equipped him with advanced research methodologies, modern analytical techniques, and a global perspective on geological sciences.
Dr. Chisambi’s research focuses on mineral exploration and the reconstruction of hydrothermal systems to understand the physico-chemical environments that lead to ore formation. His work includes the development of regional mineralization targeting methods, leveraging remote sensing and airborne geophysical datasets. He has extensive experience in interpreting multi- and hyperspectral imagery, gamma-ray spectrometry, magnetic data, gravity datasets, and integrating these with field observations and laboratory measurements to aid mineral exploration.
His research contributions not only support academic advancement but also provide practical insights for Malawi’s mining industry, particularly in identifying mineral potential and understanding ore-forming processes. As a departmental head, Dr. Chisambi is committed to strengthening Mining Engineering training through research-driven teaching, industry collaboration, and the promotion of modern geoscientific tools and techniques.