A drilling ship off the shore of Guyana. Experts are estimating there are billions of barrels of oil mixed with natural gas in the region. PHOTO COURTESY EXXONMOBIL

Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has confirmed existing talks with major international energy players, amid international reports that ExxonMobil has begun negotiations with the government to explore for oil and gas in up to seven deepwater blocks off the East Coast of the country.