� Version fran�aise

MANA START-UP SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY

Montreal, Quebec, February 19, 2008. - 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 15th 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.

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