I don't know how it is in Portugal, but here are the minimum...

I don't know how it is in Portugal, but here are the minimum requirements for WA.
Both requirements, mining proposal & JORC resource report are costly exercises. Mining proposals need to meet strict criteria, environmental considerations are very important.
I'm guessing that Luso might be chasing the resource report option - depending on the complexity of the orebody this can be achieved (very risky),
but remember that Luso also had to complete a certain amount of exploration on the land within the exploration lease timeframe to fulfil their requirements .. this all still takes time & dollars.

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Minerals/Mining-Tenements-explained-5145.aspx