<<

SEMAFO TSX-SMF

Six-month production - 122,200 ounces

>>

MONTREAL, July 7 /CNW Telbec/ - SEMAFO (TSX: SMF) announced today that

gold production for the three-month period ended June 30, 2009 totaled 64,100

ounces, compared to 54,500 ounces for the second quarter of 2008 and 58,100

ounces for the first quarter of 2009.

The increase in production compared to the second quarter of 2008 is

mainly the result of the commissioning at Mana of the 4,000 tonne per-day ball

mill that occurred in the second half of 2008. The Mana mine produced 37,300

ounces during the second quarter, representing almost 60% of the total

production. Samira Hill and Kiniero mines totaled 17,400 and 9,400 ounces

respectively.

The Company is maintaining its previously announced overall production

guidance of between 220,000 and 240,000 ounces for 2009.

Favorable gold prices continued during the second quarter of 2009

resulting in gold sales averaging $931 per ounce.

In the second quarter of 2009, SEMAFO closed out the remainder of its

outstanding gold contracts and is now hedge free.

In line with the 2009 objective of increasing plant capacity at Mana to

attain 6,000 tonnes per-day in saprolite ore, additional mining equipment was

delivered at the mine during the second quarter.

"Production results for the first 6 months of 2009, in conjunction with

the completion of the hedging program and the timely delivery of the mining

equipment at Mana, leave Semafo well positioned for the balance of 2009 and

beyond", said Benoit La Salle, CEO.

Production numbers are preliminary and may be subject to final

adjustment. Further information will be published in the Company's second

quarter operating and financial results to be released mid-August.

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and

exploration activities in West Africa. The Company currently operates three

gold mines in Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea. SEMAFO is committed to evolve in

a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of

interest, while maintaining principles and strengthening relationships to

increase shareholder value.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These

forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements

regarding the Company's expectations as to the market price of gold, strategic

plans, future commercial production, production targets, timetables, mining

operating expenses, capital expenditures, and mineral reserve and resource

estimates. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and

uncertainties and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ

materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause

future results or events to differ materially from current expectations

expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not

limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining

industry risks, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral reserves and

resources, risks related to hedging strategies, risks of delays in

construction, requirements of additional financing and other risks described

in the Company's documents filed from time to time with Canadian securities

regulatory authorities. Although the Company is of the opinion that these

forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, those

assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers should not place

undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Readers can find further

information with respect to risks in the Company's Annual Information Form and

other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at