Simandou has faced delays due to legal disputes, political changes, and the challenges of building a 600 km rail and port infrastructure.
Located approximately 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, the Buffalo Hills project includes 21 mineral leases covering 4,800 hectares.
Portugal already has the largest copper mine in the European Union, operated by Lundin Mining.
A highly anticipated third plenum that started from Monday will outline efforts to promote advanced manufacturing.