Madagascar Oil - History

History

Europeans found the Bemolanga field in the 19th century and the Tsimiroro field in the early 20th century. However, the extensive oil seeps associated with both fields had been known to the local Malagasy population for centuries. During the 20th century various colonial and later overseas companies looked at the fields but never moved beyond initial exploration.

Sam Malin became aware of the fields in 1994. It took him nearly ten years to find financial partners to start an in-depth appraisal and ultimately development of the fields. As a result of his finally succeeding in his quest for such backing, Madagascar Oil was created in 2004.