ExxonMobil has made a new hydrocarbon discovery at the Rockhead-1 well in the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, potentially adding to the resources slated for future development in the region.
OilNow reported that Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, confirmed the find, noting that the new well is situated adjacent to the company's 2018 Ranger-1 discovery, which is currently undergoing appraisal activities.
The total size and commercial viability of the Rockhead discovery remain undetermined.
"The quantification of the resources will be determined based on evaluated tests, and if necessary, an appraisal program for the Rockhead-1 discovery," Bharrat stated. He added that ExxonMobil is mandated to follow all post-discovery regulatory procedures outlined in Guyana's Petroleum Activities Act and the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement.
The announcement aligns with recent statements from ExxonMobil Vice President John Ardill regarding the company's near-field exploration strategy. Ardill indicated that ExxonMobil has been testing nearby wells—specifically identifying Rockhead as a target drilled earlier this year—that could potentially be tied back to a future development hub at the Ranger site.
"We are excited to continue exploration and appraisal activity in and around our significant Ranger discovery drilled in 2018 in the central part of the Stabroek Block," Ardill noted recently.
The Rockhead-1 well, located approximately 115 nautical miles offshore, was drilled in August by the Stena Carron drillship. While ExxonMobil had previously identified the site as an oil target, the company had cautioned that exact fluid types could not be reliably predicted prior to drilling.
ExxonMobil operates the Stabroek Block with a 45% interest. Its partners in the joint venture include Chevron-owned Hess, which holds a 30% stake, and China's CNOOC, which holds the remaining 25%.