Montreal, Quebec, April 29, 2008 – SEMAFO (TSX: SMF), a Canadian-based mining company with gold exploration and production activities in West Africa today announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the 2008 Alpha Awards.

“We are pleased to be in the running for such a prestigious award,” said Benoit La Salle, Semafo’s President and CEO. “This nomination further corroborates Semafo’s efforts and determination to evolve conscientiously to become a major player in our geographical area of interest. At Semafo we strive not only to be good corporate citizens, but to make a difference and ultimately improve the quality of life in the communities in which we operate.”

In 2007, Semafo’s contributions to the west-African countries included:

Kiniero, Guinea

• Support traditional authorities, village wise men during religious ceremonies/ celebrations Construction:

• Schoolhouse with 3 classrooms

• Balan district office

• Kiniero health centre

• Cultural centre

• Franco-Arab School

• Structure for Balan outdoor market
• Renovation of the Balan mosque and sanitation facilities
• Donations to the villages for fire prevention, pilgrimages and religious holidays
• Spraying of the village’s main routes to minimize dust
• Provide financial support and supplies to students and professors
• Medical consultations: 2007: 8,036; 2008: 1,537

Samira Hill, Niger

• Champion local, traditional celebrations for employees and their families
• Support traditional tribal ceremonies/celebrations
• School supplies for 6 villages
  
• Road construction and repair
• Construction of 4 classrooms, including furniture
• Provide cellular telephone access
• Provide electricity
• $2,000 investment for maintenance of
  wells
• Purchase and donation of : 4 grain mills, 2 tractors
• Medical consultations: 2007: 8,016 including 30 medical evacuations to Niamey, and 24 childbirths

Mana, Burkina Faso

• Champion local traditional ceremonies/celebrations
• Restoration of 36 school desks and chairs
• Repairs to the main road to Boromo
• Relocation of 2 villages
• Construction: 425 houses; 4 wells; 1 church; 1 mosque; 1 youth centre; 2 women’s centers
• Medical consultations: 2007: 3,285; 2008: 810

“We are proud of our accomplishments in 2007 and remain dedicated to making a difference to build a better tomorrow,” said Mr. La Salle.

“This nomination is a testimony to the individual contributions of each and every employee to the overall success of the organization,” said Benoit Desormeaux, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, “from the operations teams, including our expatriates, in Niger, Guinea and Burkina Faso to the staff at our head office in Montreal, I believe that we will all share a sentiment of accomplishment as a result of this nomination.”

The Alpha Awards are presented by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada, to recognize organizational excellence, performance and social responsibility. Winners will be announced at the Gala Alpha, May 15, 2008.

About SEMAFO

Semafo is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities located 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 values 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 expectations of the Company 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 Annual Information Form of the Company and other filings of the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Semafo Commended for Corporate Social Responsibility

Montreal, Quebec, April 15, 2008 - SEMAFO (TSX – SMF) today announced that gold production for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008 totalled 28,700 ounces, exceeding guidance by 4,200 ounces. Total production was comprised of 12,400 ounces and 16,300 ounces from the Kiniero from Samira Hill mines, respectively.

Favorable gold prices during the first quarter of 2008 resulted in gold sales averaging in excess of $900 per ounce. As previously reported, gold sales in the first quarter of 2007 averaged $661 per ounce.

The Company is maintaining its previously announced overall production guidance of between 165,000 and 185,000 ounces for 2008. In order to track mid-range for the year, production for the first six months must reach 66,000 ounces, hence 37,300 ounces for the current quarter ending June 30^th. The increase in production over that of the first quarter is projected to come from the Company’s new Mana mine, which recently completed its first gold pour.

Production numbers are preliminary and may be subject to final adjustment. Further information will be published in the Company’s first quarter operating and financial results to be released mid-May.

About SEMAFO

Semafo is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities located 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 values 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 expectations of the Company 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 Annual Information Form of the Company and other filings of the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Montreal, Quebec, April 2nd, 2008 - SEMAFO (TSX – SMF) today announced that the first gold pour at its Mana mine in Burkina Faso took place on March 31, 2008.

As from February 15th when start-up occurred, activities have centered on the commissioning of the processing plant. In addition to the 105 ounce pour, the gold in circuit inventory has attained the expected level of 2,500 ounces.

This gold pour marks the third time the Company has successfully brought a West African gold project into production.

“This milestone is the result of the dedicated efforts of hundreds of people around the world from local contractors in Burkina Faso to international heavy equipment manufacturers,” said Benoit La Salle, Semafo’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “During the past eighteen months our technical and construction teams have efficiently and effectively dealt with the various challenges required to produce a world class facility.”

Mana gold production is anticipated to ramp up to between 29,000 and 34,000 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2008, for a total production in 2008 of between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces.

» 2007 Annual Report (PDF 3660kb)

Montreal, Quebec, April 2^nd, 2008 - SEMAFO (TSX – SMF) today announced that the first gold pour at its Mana mine in Burkina Faso took place on March 31, 2008.

As from February 15^th when start-up occurred, activities have centered on the commissioning of the processing plant. In addition to the 105 ounce pour, the gold in circuit inventory has attained the expected level of 2,500 ounces.

This gold pour marks the third time the Company has successfully brought a West African gold project into production.

“This milestone is the result of the dedicated efforts of hundreds of people around the world from local contractors in Burkina Faso to international heavy equipment manufacturers,” said Benoit La Salle, Semafo’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “During the past eighteen months our technical and construction teams have efficiently and effectively dealt with the various challenges required to produce a world class facility.”

Mana gold production is anticipated to ramp up to between 29,000 and 34,000 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2008, for a total production in 2008 of between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces.

Semafo is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities located 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 values and strengthening relationships to increase shareholder value.

SEMAFO (TSX – SMF) today announced that mill start-up has taken place at its Mana Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. This process progressively integrates the different plant circuits leading to continuous production and culminating in a first gold pour scheduled in the second half of March 2008. Start-up was initiated on February 15^th and is currently proceeding as per plan.

Production is commencing with the first of two ball mills planned for the plant. The first ball mill will provide a daily throughput of 2,000 tonnes, for an estimated monthly gold production of 4,000 ounces. The second ball mill, once operational, will increase daily throughput to 4,000 tonnes and consequently increase monthly gold production to 10,000 ounces.

The second ball mill is scheduled to be in service in the third quarter of 2008. Accordingly, Mana gold production for the year is anticipated to be between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces.

In guidance issued February 7, 2008, overall company cash operating costs for 2008 were estimated to be in the $400-$450 per ounce range. These figures reflect a partial year of operation at Mana. Based on current operating parameters and a full year of production at Mana, it is estimated that overall cash operating costs will drop to the $370-$410 per ounce range.

About SEMAFO

Semafo is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities located in West Africa. The Company currently operates two gold mines with a third, the Mana mine in Burkina Faso, entering production. Semafo is committed to evolve in a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of interest, while maintaining values and strengthening relationships to increase shareholder value.