Just saw Montage Gold (MAU) grabbed five new exploration permits in Mauritania covering over 2,100 km2 - their first move into the country. Four in Sfariat block, one in Zednes where they've got 80% stake. Pretty solid play if you ask me, joining the likes of Kinross and First Quantum who already operate there.

The company's still pushing hard on their Koné project in Côte d'Ivoire though, supposed to start pouring gold by end of year with 300k+ oz expected in the first eight years. Adding Mauritania to the mix means they're really building out that African portfolio. Stock popped 3.3% to C$16.83 on the news, sitting near all-time highs.

CEO talking about creating a "premier multi-asset African gold producer" - ambitious but not unreasonable given what they're assembling. Market cap's around C$6.1 billion now. Curious to see how fast they can move on these new Mauritania permits.