Gastar Exploration Inc. operates as an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas, condensate and natural gas liquids in the U. S. Its principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties with an emphasis on unconventional reserves such as shale resource plays. The company is currently pursuing the development of liquids-rich natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia and is also in the early stages of exploring and developing the Hunton Limestone horizontal oil play in Oklahoma. Gastar Exploration was founded by Thomas E. Robinson and is headquartered in Houston, TX.