In a brief statement this morning, the company said Carroll had left to “pursue other interests” without offering further details for his sudden departure.

Chairman Peter Hopkins said Carroll – formerly of AGL Energy – had made a significant contribution during his eight-month tenure in the top job, particularly in initiatives for the commercialisation of the company’s Cooper Basin gas and condensate resources.

“Andy has also been instrumental in successfully completing our recent capital raising, in building our team and establishing improved management systems so that our company is more able to take advantage of corporate and commercial opportunities as they arise,” he said.

Great Artesian’s non-executive director, David Williams, has been appointed interim managing director, while a search is undertaken for a permanent replacement.

Carroll’s resignation follows the departure of founding managing director Dr Ray Shaw in April after striking a deal with majority shareholder Beach Petroleum in which he was obliged to leave the company.