In an interview with Boardroom Radio, EDMS chief executive officer Ashley Pattison said the contract would be worth $A5.5-6.0 million per annum.

He said the major terms were agreed to but the final sign-off for the contract should take place late next week or early the following week, with more details to be released in upcoming announcements.

Both the coal company involved and the location of the contract is expected to be disclosed at that time.

EDMS expects the rigs to be mobilised on a staged basis from mid-June.

The upcoming drilling program will use four diamond rigs, one multipurpose rig and one large RC rig, while a seventh rig will also be supplied as a contingency or as a work-over rig.

"This significant win endorses the company’s move into the coal and energy sector and emphasises the importance of moving our head office to the Hunter Valley,” EDMS said.

“Importantly, it will see 15 surface rigs located full time in the Hunter Valley and Bowen Basin regions.”

In the interview Pattison added the contract will allow EDMS to give more attention to its underground business.

Shares in EDMS are unchanged at 7.9c.