ExxonMobil finds 4 Guyana prospects using AI subsurface analysis

ExxonMobil announced it has used artificial intelligence and advanced subsurface technologies to identify four new exploration opportunities in Guyana's Stabroek Block, marking an expansion of its offshore drilling program in one of the world's most significant offshore oil growth regions. The company is applying a suite of technologies—including deep learning, machine learning, high-performance computing, and advanced seismic imaging—to analyze historical discoveries, drilling results, and subsurface data in order to identify potential hydrocarbon prospects and improve its exploration decision-making process.

Vice President of Exploration John Ardill highlighted earlier this year that ExxonMobil was expanding its use of these technologies to analyze seismic data and identify prospects that had previously been more difficult to evaluate. This capability represents a meaningful advance in the company's ability to extract value from existing data across the basin. The AI-driven exploration work is proceeding in parallel with ExxonMobil's ongoing drilling activity offshore Guyana, including operations on the Whiptail development and Rockhead-1 exploration wells.

Beyond immediate exploration, ExxonMobil is progressing plans for further development of the Stabroek Block. Earlier this year, the company sought environmental authorization for the Haimara gas-condensate development and proposed a 35-well drilling campaign spanning 2028 through 2033. This substantial drilling program reflects confidence in the basin's remaining potential. Guyana itself is targeting crude production of approximately 1.3 MMbpd by 2027 and 1.7 MMbpd by 2030 as the country consolidates its position as a major offshore oil producer. ExxonMobil's expanded use of AI and advanced seismic analysis is explicitly aimed at improving the evaluation of remaining exploration opportunities as drilling and development activity continues across the offshore basin.