An underground coal mine was implementing a longwall expansion project, but the current gas extraction system would not have sufficient capacity. A new gas extraction capability was required, to ultimately supply a new gas handling plant.

Three shortlisted gas extraction options were being considered, with design and engineering progressed to concept level. Time pressures required that a preferred option be selected quickly.

This case describes a fast, high-level review of the three options. It used Kepner Tregoe analysis to focus on the ability of the options to achieve project goals, providing clarity for the project team and a sound rationale for management decisions.

The case demonstrates that if straightforward approaches are sufficient, then there is no need to over-complicate the process or invest effort in greater detail.

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