"GeoGAS will deliver new strategic capabilities that will be combined with Runge's underground mine planning capability to create a new integrated offering," said Runge CEO Tony Kinnane.

"The value proposition of this integrated service is mine planning that improves safety and increases mine economic return."

GeoGAS supplies laboratory, consulting and contracting services, including gas content and composition/quality testing; sorption isotherms; gas reservoir definition; coal mining gas emission control; coal mine methane; coal seam methane; outburst investigations; gas management; and gas production and reserves management.

It also provides support for mine operations as well as planning and project tasks.

"Gas and ventilation analysis are key inputs into the mine planning process and are integral to the design and operation of a safe and efficient underground coal business," Kinnane said.

"Runge's acquisition of GeoGAS provides a significant boost to our underground coal capabilities and takes us one step closer to becoming a premiere provider of underground coal mine planning solutions."

The acquisition means Runge can provide a more complete "one-stop shop" consulting service for clients, and develop a range of unique software modules.

"Our goal is to model the effects of gas, ventilation and drainage within the dynamic mine design and production scheduling world of our XPAC mine scheduling software," Kinnane said.

Management and employees of GeoGAS will join Runge, lifting the total number of employees globally to 278. GeoGAS has offices in New South Wales and Queensland.