Geological Survey

The Department of Geological Survey was established in 1950 and is mandated to compile and provide geoscience data and information aimed at encouraging primarily the mineral sector and non-mining sector investment and undertake regional geoscience and geological resource mapping, and compile resulting quality products ready for publication in form of maps. The department also archives statutory reports submitted by mineral tenement holders and be the State repository of all geoscience data and further provide sound professional technical advice and services to the State and all other stakeholders. It acquires and provides good quality geotechnical, geological-geophysical, hydrogeological and hydrocarbon information for all users.

REGIONAL MAPPING

The section has a number of units within it this includes:
GEOPHYSICS AND SEISMIC UNIT
The unit offers:
• Country-grid digital airborne-magnetic data.
• Country-grid digital regional gravity data.
• Seismicity data mapping occurrence of the Earthquake phenomenon around the country
• Geophysical survey services for geotechnical and minerals explorations
• Earthquake Monitoring System around the country
• Reduction, processing and interpretation of geophysical data
TECHNICAL RECORDS/ INFORMATION UNIT
The Unit maintains a bibliographic database, on all the Geology of Zambia and is responsible for vending of Geological information resources such as reports and maps.
CARTOGRAPHIC UNIT
The unit digitizes Geological maps, scans, victories’ Geological maps, updates the index map and provides Geographical Information Services (GIS).

HYDROCARBON SECTION
The section’s core responsibility is to effectively coordinate, monitor and regulate petroleum exploration activities in the Republic of Zambia in line with the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2008
ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY SECTION
The services offered include:
• Mineral exploration
• Resources survey
• Monitoring of operations of mineral exploration license holders
LABORATORIES SECTION
Chemistry Laboratory
The Unit offer sample chemical analysis services in:
• Ores
• Industrial minerals
• Geological
• Soils
• Environmental material
• Metallurgical samples
This enables the Laboratory to
• Provide chemical data for the production of National Geological maps and reports in order to promote mineral exploration.
• Produce Mineral Analysis and Valuation Certificates which determines the quality and value of minerals being exported.
Metallurgy Laboratory
The services include;
• Sample Preparation – Crushing, Grinding and Screening
• Mineral Concentration – Flotation, Magnetic Separation, Classification and Heavy Media Separation
• Heat Treatment Processes – Gold fire assaying, Calcination, Mineral Reduction Processes etc.
• Mineral Dissolution Processes – Acid leaching etc.

Gemological Laboratory
The unit offers:
• gemstone evaluation and gemstone valuation certificate
• gemstone identification and authentication
• Gemstone marketing
• Gemstone sorting and grading
It also provides information to those who are new in the gemstone industry.
Mineralogy and Petrology Laboratory
Services under this unit are available on request.

The Director
Geological Survey Department
Corner of Government and nationalist Road
P.O. Box 50135
Ridgeway, Lusaka
Tel: +260 211 251557
Email: info@mmmd.gov.zm