Statoil has awarded the company a six to nine month contract to provide services for up to five wells as part of its evaluation of shale prospects in the South Georgina Basin, Northern Territory.

The Norwegian national oil company is the operator of four exploration permits in the basin, two of which are the subject of a court battle with joint venture partner Baraka Energy.

In the Cooper Basin, EDA will provide drilling rigs to Senex to aid the company's multi well program which is under way.

The Schramm T500XD drill rig will be supplied to Senex for a year while the Schramm T200XD rig is contracted for six months.

The contracts add to the growth EDA has been enjoying in its operations, putting a new management team in place and strengthening staff numbers. EDA believes it will reach 130 staff by mid-year.

The company is looking to add to its existing equipment through the acquisition of smaller, highly mobile drilling and service rigs for the shale and unconventional markets.

EDA owns four drilling rigs.