31 March 2026

South Australia’s acclaimed public geoscientific agency embarks on a new era today, with the appointment of a new Director for the state’s Geological Survey.

Doctor Suzanne Hunt has been appointed Director of the Geological Survey of South Australia (GSSA) after an exhaustive search to replace Bronwyn Camac, who retired from the role in February.

Dr Hunt comes to the role with 30 years of experience spanning geoscience, mineral exploration, petroleum systems and subsurface energy. She also brings extensive leadership credentials, having held senior executive roles across the mining, oil and gas sectors.

Heading up exploration strategy and transformation for major Australian mining companies such as OZ Minerals, Dr Hunt has been responsible for large, multi-commodity portfolios spanning copper, lithium, nickel, gold, hydrocarbons and emerging energy systems.

Dr Hunt has deep connections into South Australia’s mining, oil and gas sectors from her roles with majors including OZ Minerals, BHP, Beach Energy and Santos. Educated at the internationally reputed Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom and boasting a two-year stint at the Mawson Antarctic Station, Dr Hunt has come to the GSSA after heading up exploration at IGO Ltd in Perth. She is widely renowned as a widely experienced, well-rounded leader.

Reinforcing Dr Hunt’s reputation is a prolific catalogue of leadership in industry advocacy, representation and thought leadership. She has held many leadership positions across scientific and engineering societies including the Institute of Engineers Australia, the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association. She is also a founding board member of Women in Resources South Australia.

Comments attributable to Paul Martyn PSM, Chief Executive, Department for Energy and Mining

I congratulate Dr Hunt on her appointment and welcome her to a role that befits the experience and respect she holds in the oil, gas and mining sector.

It is nothing short of a coup that South Australia has secured her talents, particularly at a time when the world’s eyes are fixed on those sectors, and they are increasingly expected to step up and lead.

Over and above her impressive work history and expertise, Dr Hunt’s personal commitment to driving net-zero ambitions, sustainability and promoting female STEM leadership make me even more certain she’s the ideal person for the role.

I would also thank Bronwyn Camac for her years of service to South Australian geoscience, particularly the last three and half years she spent leading the GSSA. Bronwyn’s leadership helped keep the GSSA at the forefront of public geoscience in Australia, and has set it on a path to meet industry needs into the future.

I’d also like to acknowledge Tom Wise for his steady hand leading the GSSA as the recruitment process progressed.