MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 9, 2011) - Richmont Mines Inc. (News - Market indicators)(NYSE Amex:RIC), ("Richmont" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce financial and operational results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2011. Financial results are based on International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and dollars are reported in Canadian currency, unless otherwise noted.

Highlights:

• Q2 2011 net earnings of $5.0 million, or $0.16 per share, versus Q2 2010 net earnings of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share;
  
  
• Q2 2011 operating cash flow of $7.8 million, or $0.25 per share, versus Q2 2010 operating cash flow of $1.6 million, or $0.06 per share;
  
  
• Gold sales of 20,085 ounces at an average selling price of US$1,495 (CAN$1,460) in Q2 2011, versus gold sales of 15,607 ounces at an average selling price of US$1,222 (CAN$1,259) in the prior year;
  
  
• 35,000 metre drill program on Wasamac in 2011continues to yield positive results; 22,000 metres of drilling completed as of the end of June; five drills active;
  
  
• Surface drilling program completed on Monique; favourable results reaffirm Richmont's objective to evaluate potential for a small open-pit operation; more exploration drilling planned this fall;
  
  
• Strong financial position: $48.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and no long-term debt at June 30, 2011.
  
  

Commenting on the second quarter, Mr. Martin Rivard, President and CEO of Richmont Mines noted: "We are pleased with the performance of our operations this quarter and year-to-date, and are reaffirming our production guidance of 80,000 to 85,000 ounces of gold for 2011, which will include ounces from development at Francoeur. Recovered grades continued their positive momentum seen in the first quarter, with grades up 57% at Beaufor Mine and up 11% at the Island Gold Mine in the current quarter. The Beaufor Mine had a particularly strong second quarter, with gold sales improving by 91% year-over-year. While milled tonnage was down this quarter at Island Gold, primarily as a result of weather-related electrical and mechanical issues, recovered grades improved notably year-over-year. We continue to focus on our mining plans in order to enhance efficiency and productivity at both of our active operations, as well on continuing the advancement of development activities at our Francoeur Mine."

Commenting on the Corporation's exploration efforts, Mr. Rivard added: "Our extensive exploration program in 2011 continued to yield favourable results at Wasamac. Approximately 22,000 of the planned 35,000 metres have been completed on Wasamac in the first six months of the year, and we similarly completed 1,700 metres of drilling on the adjacent optioned Globex land package in the second quarter. An exploration update will be available before the end of August. Work on our Monique project also continued to progress well in the quarter, with drill results further reaffirming our objective of evaluating the potential for a small open-pit operation on the property. We remain committed to these exploration projects, and look forward to further evaluating their potential long-term benefit for the Corporation's shareholders as 2011 progresses."

Second Quarter Results

Revenue for the second quarter of 2011 was $29.4 million, up 42% from revenues of $20.6 million in the second quarter of 2010. A total of 20,085 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,495 (CAN$1,460) per ounce in the current quarter, versus gold sales of 15,607 ounces and an average realized sales price of US$1,222 (CAN$1,259) per ounce in the same period last year. Total precious metals revenue increased a notable 49% to $29.3 million from $19.7 million in the second quarter of 2010, driven by the 29% increase in the number of ounces sold, and the 16% increase in the average selling price per ounce in Canadian dollars.

Cost of sales, which includes operating costs, royalties, custom milling and amortization expenses, totalled $17.8 million in the second quarter of 2011, up 6% from $16.8 million in the comparable period last year. The average cash cost per ounce of gold sold declined 14% in US dollar terms and 18% in Canadian dollar terms, to US$786 (CAN$768) in the second quarter, from US$914 (CAN$941) in the comparable period of 2010. This substantial decline was mostly driven by higher recovered grades at both operating mines.

Exploration and project evaluation costs totalled $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2011, versus $1.8 million spent in the same period last year. However, when excluding exploration tax credits of $1.7 million during the current quarter and $0.6 million in the comparable period of 2010, exploration and project evaluation costs were $5.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The higher costs reflect the Corporation's extensive exploration drilling programs in 2011, most notably on the Wasamac and Monique properties. On a segmented basis, exploration costs before tax credits were approximately $0.3 million at the Beaufor Mine, $1.6 million at the Island Gold Mine, $2.0 million on Wasamac and the adjacent optioned Globex land package, and $0.9 million on Monique, while exploration and project evaluations costs at other properties amounted to $0.2 million during the current quarter.

Net earnings for the second quarter of 2011 increased significantly to $5.0 million, or $0.16 per share, compared with net earnings of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the second quarter of 2010.

Second Quarter News

Wasamac Exploration Property

The 35,000 metre exploration drilling program on Wasamac in 2011 continues to progress well. Initial results from the first 9,900 metres completed on this campaign have been favourable, and further reaffirm the Corporation's objective to evaluate the potential for an underground bulk mining operation on the property. Specifically, results include 3.45 g/t Au over 46.60 metres, 2.66 g/t Au over 68.42 metres, 2.16 g/t Au over 65.66 metres, and 3.38 g/t Au over 13.68 metres, and results in at least two holes suggest that the previously identified Main Zone widens at depth. Please see the May 11, 2011 press release entitled "35,000 metre drill program on Wasamac in 2011 continues to yield positive results" for additional details.

Richmont is pleased to report that it has secured additional drilling capacity, and currently has four active drills on Wasamac and one drill on the optioned Globex claims. An update of drilling results at Wasamac will be available before the end of August.

Monique Exploration Property

During the second quarter Richmont announced favourable drill results from the 8,117 metre exploration drilling campaign completed on the Monique property, located in the Val-d'Or area approximately 10 km east of the Beaufor Mine and 50 km from Richmont's Camflo Mill. Specifically, results obtained from the G Zone included 6.76 g/t Au over 12.9 metres, 8.07 g/t Au over 10.0 metres, 4.25 g/t Au over 17.1 metres, and 6.20 g/t Au over 11.1 metres, 4.77 g/t Au over 15.3 metres, 2.28 g/t Au over 19.8 metres, 2.81 g/t Au over 17.5 metres, and 3.31 g/t Au over 17.9 metres (true width), with full details available in the June 22, 2011 press release entitled "More positive drill results from Richmont's Monique Project" and the April 11, 2011 press release entitled "Monique work commitment completed; Initial drill results confirm strong near-surface gold mineralization". The 8,117 metre drill program consisted of 47 holes on the G and J zones, two previously identified gold zones on the property. Richmont will publish pending results from the outstanding 12 holes on the G Zone in the third quarter, along with available drill results from the J Zone. Complete results from the 2011 drilling program on Monique will be used to complete an R 43-101 compliant technical report during the fourth quarter of 2011.

In preparation of permit application requirements for this project, geotechnical, geomechanical and hydrogeological testing has been completed on the property. In addition, a 12 km IPower 3D induced polarization survey was also undertaken, and resulted in the identification of two anomalies which will be drill tested later this year. Richmont similarly performed 3,504 metres of condemnation drilling to evaluate the areas where surface infrastructure is planned, during which a new gold zone was identified in the central part of the property, which will be a priority target for the next drilling program.

Francoeur Mine

Richmont has invested a total of $9.0 million at the Francoeur Mine in the first six months of the year. Development efforts in the current quarter included 1,151 metres of underground development and 4,901 metres of definition drilling, which brought year-to-date figures to 2,243 metres and 9,030 metres, respectively. As access to the mineralized zone on level 15 was achieved in the first quarter of the year, drift excavation remains focused on levels 16 and 17, and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011. Richmont continues to expect that milling of development ore will begin in the third quarter of 2011 and that commercial production levels will be achieved in early 2012. While recruitment of specialized workers remains challenging, Richmont is pleased to report that the Francoeur Mine work force at the end of the quarter totalled 109 employees, up from 90 employees at the end of the first quarter of 2011.

Six-Month Review

Revenue totalled $55.8 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011, up 37% over the $40.6 million in revenue for the same period in 2010. The notable increase was driven by a 25% increase in the number of ounces of gold sold, and an 18% increase in the average selling price per ounce of gold in Canadian dollars.

Cost of sales, which includes operating costs, royalties, custom milling and amortization expenses were $34.2 million for the first six months of 2011, up 4% over operating costs of $32.9 million during the same period last year, primarily due to higher mining and milling costs at the Beaufor Mine, and higher depreciation and depletion expense at both operating mines. The average cash cost per ounce of gold sold declined 12% in US dollar terms and 17% in Canadian dollar terms, to US$768 (CAN$750) in the first six-month period, from US$877 (CAN$903) in the comparable period of 2010. This decline was mostly driven by an increase in recovered grades.

Exploration and project evaluation costs were $4.2 million during the first half of 2011, compared with $2.6 million during the same period in 2010, reflecting the Corporation's extensive exploration drilling program in 2011. Excluding exploration tax credits in both periods, exploration and project evaluation costs amounted to $7.5 million in the first six months of 2011 versus $3.6 million in the comparable period last year.

Net earnings were $13.7 million, or $0.44 per share, for the first half of 2011. This includes $3.0 million of proceeds stemming from the sale of the Valentine Lake property in the first quarter of the year. Net earnings for the comparable six-month period in 2010 were $2.2 million, or $0.08 per share.

Strong Cash Position and Solid Capital Structure

Cash and cash equivalents totalled $48.3 million at June 30, 2011, up 21% or $8.3 million from the December 31, 2010 year-end level of $40.0 million. The expanded cash position was achieved in spite of $13.7 million of capital expenditures, and $7.5 million of exploration and project evaluation investments, before tax credits, made during the first six months of 2011.

As of June 30, 2011, Richmont Mines had 472 employees, working capital of $54.4 million, 31.7 million shares outstanding and continued to have no long-term debt obligations and no hedging contracts.

During the second quarter of 2011, the Island Gold Mine processed 58,860 tonnes of ore, an 8% decrease from the 63,666 tonnes of ore processed in the second quarter of 2010. The year-over-year decline is primarily attributable to two temporary electrical shutdowns that stemmed from inclement weather conditions that caused electrical and mechanical failures at the mill. Consequently, the mill was down for a total of 16 days during the quarter resulting in an average daily output of 627 tonnes per day in the current quarter, below the 736 tonnes per day average in the first quarter of the year. The cash cost per ounce sold declined 8% in US dollar terms and 12% in Canadian dollar terms to US$790 (CAN$772) in the current quarter, from US$855 (CAN$881) last year, primarily due to a higher average recovered grade of 5.96 g/t in the quarter, versus 5.38 g/t in the prior year and a lower year-over-year cost per tonne. The Island Gold Mine sold a total of 11,283 ounces of gold at an average price of US$1,503 (CAN$1,468) in the second quarter of 2011, versus gold sales of 11,006 ounces at an average price of US$1,220 (CAN$1,256) per ounce in the comparable period last year.

For the first six months of 2011, 131,240 tonnes of ore were processed at a recovered grade of 6.05 g/t, and 25,516 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,444 (CAN$1,410) per ounce. This compared to tonnage of 131,401 at a recovered grade of 5.19 g/t, and gold sales of 21,944 ounces at an average price of US$1,170 (CAN$1,205) in the comparable six month period of 2010. While tonnage was essentially flat year-over-year, the recovered grade improved notably in the 2011 period, which translated in cash cost per ounce produced declining 15% in US dollar terms and 20% in Canadian dollar terms to US$721 (CAN$704) in the current quarter, from US$851 (CAN$876) in the year-ago period.

A total of 29,317 tonnes were processed from the Beaufor Mine in the second quarter of 2011, a notable 22% increase over the 24,070 tonnes processed in the comparable period of 2010. This included a 7,932 tonne stockpile from the first quarter that was processed at the Camflo Mill in early April 2011. Recovered grades improved significantly to 9.34 g/t in the current quarter from 5.95 g/t in the prior year, reflecting a continuation of the trend seen in the first quarter, when higher grade development ore and stopes were accessed primarily below the 20^th level of the mine. Total cash cost per ounce produced declined to US$782 (CAN$764) in the current quarter, from US$1,052 (CAN$1,083) in the prior year, with the notable improvement due primarily to improved recovered grades, higher tonnage, and an improved gold recovery rate. These improvements diminished the ongoing effects stemming from higher mining costs associated with increased development needed to access the mining areas, and higher milling costs due to the limited quantity of processed ore. Extensive development will continue to be needed to access mining zones at Beaufor going forward, however recovered grades are expected to remain favourable as better grade mining areas continue to be accessed during the remainder of the year. A total of 8,802 ounces of gold were sold in the second quarter of 2011 at an average price of US$1,485 (CAN$1,450), compared to 4,601 ounces of gold sold at an average price of US$1,229 (CAN$1,266) in the comparable period of 2010.

During the first half of 2011, 48,143 tonnes of ore were processed at a recovered grade of 8.92 g/t, and 13,803 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,460 (CAN$1,426) per ounce. In the first six months of 2010, 49,332 tonnes of ore were processed at a recovered grade of 5.99 g/t, and 9,504 ounces of gold were sold at an average price of US$1,166 (CAN$1,201) per ounce. Lower year-to-date cash costs at this mine were driven by improved recovered grades. The potential of the previously identified near surface W, 350 and 367 zones continues to be assessed. To this end, Richmont applied for a Certificate of Authorization during the second quarter for the development of the satellite W Zone. In addition, work was begun on finalizing the design of the satellite operation and on locating the required equipment for this zone.

In addition to the production performance attained in 2011, the Beaufor Mine recently achieved the milestone of four years without a compensable accident, a notable achievement for this type of mine. Richmont Mines would like to congratulate all of its employees for this remarkable performance.

Camflo Mill

The Camflo Mill did not perform any custom milling during the first six-month period of 2011. In the comparable period of 2010, a total of 71,169 tonnes of ore were custom-milled. The Corporation continues to explore the potential for additional custom milling contracts of nearby gold projects, and expects to start processing development ore from the Francoeur Mine in the third quarter of 2011.

On June 12, 2011, the Camflo Mill was awarded the 2010 F.J. O'Connell trophy, in the category of "Surface, transport and primary metal processing operations". The trophy is awarded annually by the Quebec Mining Association to companies that have registered the greatest improvements in the area of mine security in Quebec. Richmont Mines would like to congratulate the employees of the Camflo Mill for being awarded this honorary prize.

Recent Appointments

Mr. Paul Einarson, C.A., joined Richmont as Vice-President of Corporate Development. Mr. Einarson brings numerous years of valuable experience, and will help in the evaluation of strategic acquisitions, partnerships and financing opportunities. Mr. Einarson will be based in Richmont's Montreal administrative office.

Richmont is also pleased to announce that Ms. Melissa Tardif accepted the position of Legal Advisor and Corporate Assistant Secretary for Richmont. Ms. Tardif has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2004, and will be based in Richmont's Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec head office.

Outlook

Mr. Martin Rivard, President and CEO of Richmont Mines commented: "We are pleased to be reaffirming our production guidance of 80,000 to 85,000 ounces of gold for 2011, which will include ounces from development at our Francoeur Mine. Ensuring that our operations deliver on this objective is a top priority for Richmont. In addition, we are focused on advancing work on our Wasamac and Monique properties, assets that we believe have the potential to generate value for our shareholders in the future. Last but certainly not least, our management team continues to evaluate potential acquisition and partnership opportunities that will enable us to grow our reserve base and increase our production profile for the future."

Martin Rivard, President and Chief Executive Officer

About Richmont Mines Inc.

Richmont Mines has produced over 1,200,000 ounces of gold from its operations in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland since beginning production in 1991. The Corporation currently produces gold from its Island Gold and Beaufor mines, and is currently advancing the Francoeur Mine to commercial production, which will increase Richmont's production to 100,000 ounces of gold on an annual basis. With extensive experience in gold exploration, development and mining, the Corporation is well positioned to cost-effectively build its North American reserve base through a combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Richmont routinely posts news and other important information on its website (www.richmont-mines.com).

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made.

The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in Richmont Mines' Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports.

Regulation 43-101 ("R 43-101")

The geological data in this news release has been reviewed by Mr. Daniel Adam, Geo., Ph.D, Exploration Manager, an employee of Richmont Mines Inc., and a qualified person as defined by R 43-101.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates

Information in this press release is intended to comply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which differ in certain respects with the rules and regulations promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), as promulgated by the SEC. The reserve and resource estimates in this press release were prepared in accordance with R 43-101 adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The requirements of R 43-101 differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

U.S. Investors are urged to consider the disclosure in our annual report on Form 20-F, File No. 001-14598, as filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which may be obtained from us (without cost) or from the SEC's web site: http://sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).