Underground Backfill Operators' Networker
28th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings
14–16 April 2026 InterContinental Lisbon | Lisbon, Portugal
Underground Backfill Operators’ Networker
Venue: Crafty Corner Lisboa, Alfama
Address: Rua São João da Praça 93–95, Lisbon 1100-519, Portugal
Date: Tuesday 14 April 2026
Time: 18:00-20:00 Local Time
Dean Harty and Dr Ryan Veenstra invite you to an informal networker with your peers and invited guests to discuss shared learnings for underground backfill operators.
Join us for an informal, off-site networker tucked into one of Lisbon’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. This underground backfill operators event brings the industry together over great food, proper conversation, and some of the best craft beer Portugal has to offer.
Hosted at Crafty Corner Lisboa, the evening is proudly supported by Goldfields, who have generously sponsored the venue and tapas. Delegates are invited to purchase their own drinks at the bar.
Crafty Corner sits in the heart of Alfama, inside a historic building once used as the Lisbon Cathedral stables. Expect vaulted stone arches, industrial-retro details, and a relaxed, friendly vibe. The bar pours a rotating selection of 12 Portuguese craft beers on tap, alongside boutique wines and well-made cocktails. The tapas are excellent, with famous chicken wings touted “the best in Lisbon” stealing the show.
This is not a formal function. It’s a chance to unwind, compare notes, and make real connections in a space with character.
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Fast details
- Date: Tuesday 14 April 2026
- Time: 6–8 pm
- Venue: Crafty Corner Lisboa, Alfama
- Food: Tapas provided, courtesy of Goldfields
- Drinks: Available for purchase at the bar
- Format: Casual networker
- Capacity: Limited numbers
- Address: Rua São João da Praça 93–95, Lisbon 1100-519, Portugal
Spaces are limited and this one will back fill quickly.
Facilitators
Dean Harty
Operations Specialist Paste
Northern Star Resources Limited, Australia
Dean is the technical and operational lead for Northern Star’s cemented paste backfill operations, supporting existing operations and leading the design and commissioning of new projects. With 14 years involvement in paste fill as a consultant, designer, project engineer, superintendent, contractor and operator, he has a wide breadth of experience from high level scoping to nut and bolt operational detail. He brings the operators’ perspective to the holistic paste fill system, specialising in the design and implementation of robust underground reticulation systems. He has an advanced diploma in mechanical engineering and is an associate member of the Institute of Engineers, Australia.
Dr Ryan Veenstra
Principal Specialist Backfill
Gold Fields Australia, Australia
Ryan is a principal backfill specialist, providing technical and operational expertise and leadership for Gold Fields underground operations and projects. Over the last 20 years, he has been involved in backfill as an academic, consultant, and industry engineer (both in operations and corporate spaces). His expertise and experience cover the entire backfill system with a particular speciality in backfill geomechanics. He has a geological engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and holds a PhD in civil engineering from the University of Toronto.
Directions: InterContinental Lisbon → Crafty Corner Lisboa
From the InterContinental Lisbon
to Crafty Corner Lisboa
Rua São João da Praça 93–95, Lisbon 1100-519
Use Google Maps for live directions.
Easy option – Taxi / Uber
- Time: ~15 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Cost: approx. €8–€12
- Ask for Crafty Corner, Alfama or Rua São João da Praça
Local option – Tram + short walk
- From the InterContinental Lisbon, walk 10–12 minutes downhill towards Praça do Marquês de Pombal
- Continue onto Avenida da Liberdade heading south
- For the easiest boarding point, walk or take a short Uber to Restauradores / Praça dos Restauradores
- While “Rua da Conceição / Sé” is a stop on the route, it is not practical for boarding when coming from the hotel
- At Restauradores, board Tram 28E towards Martim Moniz
- Ride the tram through central Lisbon and into Alfama
- Get off at Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)
- From the cathedral, walk downhill 2–3 minutes
- Turn onto Rua São João da Praça
- Crafty Corner is located at numbers 93–95
Expect cobblestones, narrow streets, and charm. Sensible shoes help.
Scenic option – Walking directions
InterContinental Lisbon → Crafty Corner Lisboa
Approx. 35–40 minutes | ~2.8 km
This is a scenic walk through central Lisbon and into Alfama. There are hills, cobblestones, and distractions in the form of very good views.
- Exit the InterContinental Lisbon and walk east along Rua Castilho
- Continue downhill towards Marquês de Pombal
- Cross into Avenida da Liberdade and walk south
- Follow Avenida da Liberdade all the way to Restauradores Square
- Continue through Rossio Square
- Head east towards Praça da Figueira, then follow signs for Sé / Alfama
- Enter Alfama and continue downhill towards Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
- From the cathedral, walk a few minutes to Rua São João da Praça
- Crafty Corner is at numbers 93–95, just downhill from the Sé
You’ll know you’re close when the streets narrow, the arches get older, and the beer signs improve.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Alfama is charming, not flat.
