This paper points out the key areas to be analysed before approval for expansion is granted as indiscriminate expansion can cause (a) delivery of bad quality fresh fruit bunches (FFB) to the mill, (b) unhealthy competition for FFB, (c) poor mill extraction efficiency and (d) poor quality of oil produced. This survey and analysis will serve as a solid record for the field officers of the reasons leading to a decision for the approval or rejection of a mill expansion and can be freely made available for scrutiny to the industry, if any dispute arises.