(Marketwire) - SEMAFO (TSX: SMF) today provided an update on its corporate social responsibility ("CSR") initiatives and highlights Fondation SEMAFO's important contributions to improve the quality of life in West Africa.

"In the context of SEMAFO's humanitarian mission, we are committed to make sustainable contributions to the communities in which we operate through ethical social, health, education and environmental policies and programs," said Benoit La Salle, SEMAFO's President and CEO. "We have always endeavoured to be a socially responsible corporate citizen and in line with our commitment, we intend to continue our important corporate philanthropy program in 2010 by donating 2% of SEMAFO's net income, representing approximately $1,000,000 to support Fondation SEMAFO. We remain dedicated to making a difference in the communities in which we operate."

During the past year, initiatives in our West African host countries included:

• Construction of 5 schools


• Construction of a health centre


• Establishment of 2 school lunch programs benefitting more than 600 children


• Donation of medical supplies, educational material, clothing, house wares, miscellaneous items (shipment of 2,600 boxes)


• Donation of agricultural equipment and irrigation systems


• Provided the village of Bossey Bangou, Niger with access to electricity


• Installation and repair of fresh water wells


• Provided financial and moral support to flood victims in Burkina Faso and Niger


• Provided support and guidance in the establishment of shea butter soap manufacturing project

"We are very fortunate to have such a partner," said Chantal Guerin, Fondation SEMAFO's General Director. "SEMAFO continues to play an integral role in our ongoing efforts to effect positive change in West Africa. I am proud to note that in 2010 as part of our commitment to sustainable development, we are working in close cooperation with government and community groups to initiate a sesame produce and processing project in Burkina Faso, a paprika produce project in Niger and a fish or fonio program in Guinea."

Fondation SEMAFO's 2010 objectives include:

• Construction of schools


• Donation of educational material


• Construction of latrines for schools


• Continue school lunch program


• Ongoing shipment and distribution of donated items


• Assist the population to establish self-sufficient revenue-generating development initiatives

Fondation SEMAFO is a registered Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charitable organization established in 2008. Fondation SEMAFO's funding is provided by corporate and individual donations and through partnerships with various organizations. The foundation's independent Board of Directors reviews and determines participation based on the potential for viable sustainable development and prospective social and environmental benefits. Fondation SEMAFO is committed to work in concert with the people, communities and governments in accordance with economic, social and cultural guidelines respective to each individual country. More news and information is available on the foundation's web site at www.fondationsemafo.org.

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: the Mana Mine in Burkina Faso, the Samira Hill Mine in Niger and the Kiniero Mine in Guinea. SEMAFO is committed to evolve in a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of interest. SEMAFO's strategic focus is to maximize shareholder value by effectively managing its existing assets as well as pursuing organic and strategic growth opportunities in West Africa.

Caution Concerning Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "committed", "resolve", "evolve", "become", "pursuing", growth" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include the ability to continue to donate 2% of our net income to Fondation SEMAFO the ability to find organic and strategic growth opportunities in West Africa, fluctuation in the price of currencies, gold or operating costs, mining industry risks, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral reserves and resources, delays, political and social stability in Africa (including our ability to maintain or renew licenses and permits) and other risks described in SEMAFO's documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in SEMAFO's 2009 Annual MD&A and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com. These documents are also available on our website at www.semafo.com. SEMAFO disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

SEMAFO

SEMAFO

More from SEMAFO