Profit before tax came in at $3.09 million for the six-month period versus $716,000 for the first half last year.

Revenue gained almost 50% from $9.9 million to $14.9 million while earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation was $5.5 million, up 76% from $3.1 million.

EDMS said Hughes Drilling generated an on-budget pre-tax profit of $3 million.

EDMS said the outlook for its core coal production drilling sector continued to be positive even with the recent fluctuations in coal prices.

“We believe that opportunities for growth will remain strong for an extended period for contractors such as Hughes/EDMS that provide safe, consistent, quality services with reliable equipment at competitive prices,” EDMS said.

Hughes and EDMS are focused on open cut coal mine production drilling. In addition, the group is seeking to provide drilling services to attractive opportunities outside of the coal production drilling sector.

The company will also change its name to Hughes Drilling to reflect the merger and expects to make an announcement regarding the change shortly.

Shares in EDMS were unchanged at 4c in afternoon trade.

This article appeared first in ILN's sister publication MiningNews.net.