- International interest in exploring for oil and gas in Zambia was sparked by an international government tender in 2009, but many of the companies that were awarded licences did not progress exploration.
- Dr Sixtus Mulenga, a highly respected minerals exploration geologist, worked with Tullow Oil to bring its exploration expertise to Zambia and, as its country manager and representative, assisted the company in securing Block 31, broadly recognised as the most promising block in Zambia.
- Dr Mulenga led Tullow through an open tender process and advised them on a broad range of issues that affected the local community, including its sustainability, training and development programmes.
- When Tullow needed a local partner to comply Dr Mulenga joined together with George Sokota, a chartered accountant with a long history of successful ventures in Zambia, and formed Geo Petroleum Ltd to ensure that Zambia was represented in the industry by a company of the highest ethical standards and integrity.
- Geo Petroleum Ltd joined Tullow on the licence with a 2.5% paying interest, with the option to increase to 10% prior to drilling of the first exploration well on the block.
- The high level of trust between Tullow and Dr Mulenga enabled him to continue as Tullow’s representative and country manager despite also being a shareholder in its local partner, and this continued successfully until Tullow Oil withdrew from Zambia and many other exploration ventures I Africa.
- Geo Petroleum Ltd secured rights to Block 31 and the transfer of Tullow Oil’s equity to Geo Petroleum Ltd was approved by the Minister in May 2020.
