David Heugh is a South African mining engineer currently retired and living in the UK. He established an independent mining consultancy in 2007 after a career spanning 27 years with Anglo American PLC. During his career with Anglo American, he occupied senior positions in both operations and the technical office, including General Manager at Freestate Saaiplaas Mine & President Steyn/Freegold1/Bambanani Mine, Head of Mining at AngloGold & Vice President Mining at Anglo Base Metals. His experience includes both open pit & underground mining, mostly in copper & gold.In October 2012, David returned to Anglo American as Head of Technical for the Copper business unit and was later appointed Executive Head Technical for Anglo Base Metals & Minerals (BMM). The technical function is there to support the needs of the BMM Executive, Operations and Projects, especially in the following disciplines- Geology & Mineral Resources- Mining- Metallurgy- Engineering (incl. plant & equipment maintenance)- Standards & technology development- Permissions & technical group governanceThe technical group provides support in a matrix organization where the operations and major projects are line management and staff functions include technical, safety & sustainable development, human resources, finance & administration, legal & corporate affairs, among others.The role & responsibility of the technical function includes- Health of discipline (talent pool, staff development, succession planning)- Governance (compliance with company policy, norms, permissions, standards & procedures)- Assurance (integrity of production plans, budgets, commitments)- Business development (life of mine plans, business development plans, project studies, technology)- Technical support (expertise, advice, emergency response, oversight of contracted technical services & support)