Chief Executive Officer of Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy has received the Outstanding Contribution to Mining Award at an industry ceremony held at NSW Parliament House in Sydney. The annual accolade, presented by the NSW Minerals Council, represents one of the highest individual honours within the state resources sector, recognising long-term operational leadership, mineral infrastructure development, and service to regional mining communities.
Hennie’s career spans nearly four decades across South Africa and Australia, beginning as a metallurgical engineer before joining Rio Tinto in 1992, where he spent 10 years in senior operational leadership roles. After relocating to Australia in 2002, he managed Peak Gold Mines in Cobar and later served as General Manager of the Blair Athol Mine in Queensland. He subsequently oversaw resource development and strategic mine planning for Rio Tinto’s coal assets across New South Wales and Queensland, including exploration and feasibility programs for Mount Pleasant and Maules Creek.
Since 2011, Hennie has served as Chief Executive Officer of Port Waratah Coal Services, directing export terminal operations through a 15-year period of sustained growth across the Hunter Valley Coal Chain. Beyond his operational remit at the port, Hennie has held numerous regional governance and advocacy appointments, serving as President and Director of the Hunter Business Chamber, Director of the Committee for the Hunter, Chair of the Hunter Region branch of the AusIMM and current Director of the Hunter Valley Coal Chain Coordinator.
Chief Executive Officer of Port Waratah Coal Services, Hennie du Plooy stated that the industry recognition reflects the collective contribution of personnel across regional mining supply chains.
“This recognition is very meaningful to me. I’m humbled to be recognised by my colleagues. Mining and particularly coal export, is at its core a people business. We work collaboratively from pit to port to export high quality NSW coal to the world. I have had the privilege of working alongside talented and dedicated people throughout my career, from mine sites, processing plants and terminal operations to boardrooms and community forums. This award reflects their contributions as much as my own,” Hennie said.
“To every young person starting out in mining, take every opportunity you can, back yourself and your potential. To every Leader, lift people up as you go, recognise potential and create opportunities for others along the way. Mining’s strength is its people. It’s the people who make our Industry world class. I remain optimistic about the important role mining will continue to play in supporting regional communities, jobs and economic prosperity in NSW but we must protect and support the industry through stable and supportive policy and reasonable, balanced decision making.”
Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Minerals Council, Stephen Galilee added that Hennie’s career has contributed significantly to state supply chain collaboration and regional development.
“Hennie’s career exemplifies the leadership, professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement that have helped shape the modern mining industry. His contribution extends well beyond individual operations, influencing industry collaboration, regional development and the long-term sustainability of the sector,” Stephen said.
IMAGE | Hennie du Plooy awarded Outstanding Contribution to Mining 2026.
