R&D and General Operations Manager at Priority Drilling
Michael Dineen is a globally recognized expert in directional drilling with over 37 years of industry experience. He is the R&D and General Operations Manager at Priority Drilling, a family-run Irish company with a long-standing reputation built on reliability and technical capability.
The basic measuring tools of his early career and the many technical challenges that followed have pushed Michael to look for improvements and work toward better, more reliable methods. His commitment to advancing technology and improving drilling efficiency led to the establishment of Zero-Trip Innovations. The company works closely with Priority Drilling’s crews to develop practical, field-driven solutions that address the technical challenges encountered in modern drilling.
Michael is also the inventor of the Zero-Trip Wedge, a directional drilling tool that eliminates the need for multiple trips in and out of the borehole, greatly enhancing safety by reducing manual handling and expo- sure to operational hazards.
Grigor Topev: It is a pleasure to have you as our guest interviewee at Coring Magazine! What first drew you to the drilling industry, and how did you get your start?
Michael Dineen: I was drawn to the industry by the appeal of working outdoors at a time when job opportunities in Ireland were limited. I had been in an office-based job and quickly realized the indoor environment wasn’t for me. Drilling offered the challenge, opportunity, and direction I wanted.
Grigor Topev: Could you share some insights into your early days in the industry and your professional journey?
Michael Dineen: The early years were difficult because very few people were willing to teach drilling, which made breaking in more challenging. I started with basic measuring tools and old acid-filled tubes to determine borehole angles—a far cry from modern systems. That experience pushed me to look for improvements and work toward better, more reliable methods.
Grigor Topev: What are some of the more challenging projects you have worked on over the years?
Michael Dineen: Highly fractured ground, heavy water losses, and complex directional requirements have all provided significant challenges. These projects demanded persistence and creative problem-solving. They also helped shape many of the innovations we rely on today.
Grigor Topev: Could you tell our readers more about Priority Drilling’s history, expertise, fleet, and scope of operations?
Michael Dineen: Priority Drilling was established in Canada in the 1950s by Irish emigrants. In the early 1960s, the founders returned to Ireland amid a surge of interest in mining and mineral exploration. The company has remained family-run ever since and is now managed by the second and third generations. Over the decades, Priority Drilling has specialized in deep and directional drilling, both on surface and underground, and today operates a fleet of more than 20 rigs. Our long-standing reputation is built on reliability, technical capability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality drilling solutions.
Grigor Topev: Where has Priority worked outside of Ireland, and where has it been working recently? Have you found the working conditions in any country to be more difficult than others?
Michael Dineen: We’ve worked in Sweden, the UK, and other regions, each with its own ground conditions and working cultures. These variations present challenges, but Priority has always adapted well. The experience has strengthened our operational range and flexibility.
Grigor Topev: The average length of service at Priority Drilling is presently over 20 years. What makes employees stay so long?
Michael Dineen: Priority is a steady, supportive employer with strong foresight and a culture built on loyalty. Many of our team members have been with us for decades, including a few who have worked with us for over 50 years. That kind of continuity speaks to the company’s commitment to its people.
Grigor Topev: Priority Drilling is one of the few drilling companies that adopted directional drilling early on and offered it as part of their services. Do you believe drilling companies should gain their own expertise in directional drilling, or hire specialist subcontractors?
Michael Dineen: Priority Drilling believes strongly in developing our own in-house directional expertise. This approach allows us to work directly and collaboratively with our clients, ensuring clear communication and a shared understanding of objectives, capabilities, and limitations. By avoiding reliance on third-party consultancy layers—who may influence decisions without carrying responsibility—we maintain better alignment, reduce potential conflict, and ensure that the technical decisions are made by those who are fully accountable. Ultimately, owning our expertise enhances efficiency, transparency, and the quality of results we deliver.
Grigor Topev: What is the size of the diamond drilling market in Ireland and the UK?
Michael Dineen: The diamond drilling market across the British Isles is relatively small and comes with its own set of challenges. Activity levels fluctuate seasonally, and operations are further constrained by the fact that most drilling must take place during standard daytime working hours—typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., five to six days a week. This is largely due to environmental and noise restrictions arising from the close proximity of residential areas in what are often densely built-up locations. These factors create a compact yet competitive market, and our ability to adapt to these conditions has been an important part of sustaining our success.
Grigor Topev: Our readers would be interested to learn more about the unique characteristics or challenges of the diamond drilling market in Ireland, the UK, and Western Europe in general.
Michael Dineen: The region combines highly varied ground conditions with some of the strictest environmental and social regulations in the world. Requirements around noise, protected habitats, flora and fauna, and broader community and employee responsibilities all significantly influence how drilling projects are planned and delivered. These factors, along with increasing depth demands, make capability, precision, and strong compliance essential. Adapting to this complex landscape has been a key part of our success.
Grigor Topev: In your opinion, why are there so few major drilling contractors in the region?
Michael Dineen: The region is a relatively small and highly regulated market, which makes it difficult for major drilling contractors to secure the consistent volume of work needed to operate at scale. Seasonal activity levels, strict environmental and operational requirements, and fluctuating project demand all contribute to a challenging business environment. As a result, only companies with long-term commitment and strong adaptability tend to remain established.
Grigor Topev: Going from the previous question, is there enough collaboration between the Irish government and the mining industry? What do you think could be improved?
Michael Dineen: Collaboration exists, but there is certainly room for improvement in areas such as permitting, exploration support, and long-term resource planning. Greater consistency and engagement would benefit both sides. Strengthening these links would support future development.
Grigor Topev: Has it been difficult to attract new talent to drilling? If so, what do you believe are the reasons for that?
Michael Dineen: Yes—the industry is small, specialized, and subject to fluctuating workloads throughout the year, which makes recruitment more challenging. Many younger workers prefer more predictable roles. The industry will need to promote the opportunities and progression that drilling can offer.
Grigor Topev: Today, there is an expanding emphasis on safety in the workplace. In your opinion, what is the most effective and practical tool for ensuring drill-site safety?
Michael Dineen: Good procedures backed by regular toolbox talks, modern equipment, and full-time safety officers make the biggest difference. These create a strong safety culture where risks are managed proactively. Practicality and consistency are essential.
Grigor Topev: You and Priority Drilling have extensive experience with downhole motors. What’s the longest deviation you’ve seen with them? In what situations would you not recommend using downhole motors?
Michael Dineen: We’ve completed navi drilling in the region of 250 m (820 ft). These projects require precision and careful control.
Downhole motors are less suitable in highly fractured ground or conditions involving significant water loss. In those situations, maintaining stability and control becomes difficult.
Grigor Topev: In addition to your extensive industry experience, you are also the inventor of the Zero-Trip Wedge. Could you tell our readers more about the idea behind it and the product itself?
Michael Dineen: The Zero-Trip Wedge was created out of frustration with repetitive and time-consuming traditional wedging processes. It is not only faster but simpler, and its advantages increase as holes get deeper. The design offers a more economical and reliable approach to directional control.
Grigor Topev: What are the advantages of the Zero-Trip Wedge compared to traditional wedging solutions?
Michael Dineen: The Zero-Trip Wedge eliminates the need for multiple trips in and out of the borehole, greatly enhancing safety by reducing manual handling and exposure to operational hazards. Fewer trips also mean significantly less wear and tear on in-hole tools and surface equipment, which reduces maintenance demands and extends equipment life. Combined with the time savings and improved consistency of the system, this makes the Zero-Trip Wedge a more efficient and cost-effective solution, especially in stable ground conditions.
Grigor Topev: What notable results has the Zero-Trip Wedge achieved? What is the percentage of successful installations, and what is the deepest installation to date?
Michael Dineen: Within Priority, the wedge has achieved 100% installation success in stable ground conditions. Its deepest installation was at around 2980 m (9777 ft), enabling a borehole to be completed to approximately 3200 m (10 498 ft) after six weeks of prior attempts by the client. These outcomes reflect its reliability and capability under demanding conditions.
Grigor Topev: You are also the Inventor/Innovations Manager at Zero-Trip Innovations. What is the company’s focus, the services you provide, and how is it connected to your work with Priority Drilling?
Michael Dineen: We established Zero-Trip Innovations to develop practical, field-driven solutions that address the technical challenges encountered in modern drilling. A core part of this mission is improving safety by reducing manual handling, simplifying processes, and creating tools that minimize operational risk. The team works closely with Priority Drilling’s crews, ensuring every innovation is grounded in real-world experience. Our focus is to continue advancing technologies that make drilling deeper, more complex, safer, and more efficient.
Grigor Topev: With Zero-Trip Innovations, you are at the forefront of ongoing drilling innovations. From this spot, how do you see the evolution of drilling practices? Are there any technological developments you’re watching closely?
Michael Dineen: Technology continues to evolve, but diamond drilling will always be essential because reserves must be physically proven. As deposits get deeper, innovation will be critical to improving accuracy, speed, and efficiency. We continually monitor emerging technologies that support these goals.
Grigor Topev: What are your personal interests outside the drilling industry?
Michael Dineen: I enjoy local GAA and soccer, along with sport in general. Staying active remains an important part of my life.
Grigor Topev: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Lastly, what lessons did you learn throughout your career, and what would be your advice to young drillers?
Michael Dineen: Adaptability, curiosity, and responsibility are fundamental in this industry. Drilling is demanding but offers exceptional opportunities for those willing to learn and innovate. My advice is to stay open-minded, keep improving your skills, and embrace new techniques.
For more information: Get in touch with Michael on LinkedIn
