5.20.2008 - 11:43am ET

The Honorable Stephane Dion, Leader, Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Opposition, presented the award in recognition of Semafo's role as a leader in corporate social responsibility practices to Mr. Benoit La Salle, President and CEO of Semafo Inc

(CSRwire) MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/20/08 -- SEMAFO (TSX: SMF), a Canadian-based mining company with gold exploration and production activities in West Africa was awarded the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saint-Laurent 2008 Alpha Award of Distinction for Environmental Protection. The Honorable Stephane Dion, Leader, Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Opposition presented the award in recognition of Semafo's role as a leader in corporate social responsibility practices. Semafo also received the 2008 Alpha Award in the Manufacturing/Raw Materials category. The awards were presented at the 24th Annual Alpha Gala in Montreal, Quebec on May 15th.

"We are very honored to receive these prestigious awards," said Benoit La Salle, Semafo's President and CEO. "Since its beginnings, Semafo has endeavored to be a good corporate citizen and to evolve conscientiously to become a major player in our geographical area of interest. As part of our organization's mission statement, and directly in line with Semafo's humanitarian mission, we are proud of the efforts made to improve the quality of life and livelihoods of the communities in which we operate through social, health, education and environmental policies and programs."

"These awards are a testimony to the individual contributions of each and every employee to the overall success of the organization, with particular acknowledgment going out to our CSR team leaders, Jacques Giguere and Jules Rehel for their expertise, perseverance and support of these important endeavors," 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 these awards."

The Alpha Awards are presented annually by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saint-Laurent, Quebec, to recognize organizational excellence, performance and social responsibility.

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 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.

For more information please contact: