Drilling Results Continue to Extend Gold Mineralization at Mana

Significant Gold Values Include 21 meters at 5.71 g/t Au

Montreal, Quebec, June 17, 2008. � SEMAFO (TSX: SMF)  today announced the results of the recent exploration program at the Mana mine in Burkina Faso, identifying significant new mineralization over a 1.2-km strike length, confirming the extension of the Wona northeast deposit.

The 2008 exploration program included RC drilling on the previously identified sub-surface targets of the northeast extension of the Wona mineralization.  Initial reference was made to this potential mineralization in our press release of March 24, 2006, in which mention was made of the potential for two small open pits.   Further investigation of this mineralization included IP geophysics; diamond drill and RC drill holes.  Recent 2008 RC drilling, including 67 holes covering 7,609m, confirms the presence of continuous mineralized zones and further expands at shallow depths the extension of the main Wona deposit. Similarly to the in-depth mineralization, continuity of mineralization can be found in spite of NW oriented offsets with respect to the main Wona deposit. The new zone extends from the end-point of the present open pit limits, from 16850N up to 18100N, for a strike length of 1.2 kms. Planning for a 1 km extension of the current pit has already started. In some areas, mineralization is seen to branch out in double structures. In addition, a new horizontal structure of a tubular shape appears as identified by the 2nd intersection of holes WRC364 and WRC358, as well as in the WRC399 intersection (see table below). This structure can be followed for more than 900m, thus warranting the commissioning of more substantial exploration.

The area herein described is shown on the attached longitudinal section displaying contoured grade-thickness product values in progressive cold to hot colors.  (CLICK HERE TO VIEW MAP)

The following table presents the drilling results including the main mineralization intersected and high-grade values.

* All lengths are down-the-hole lengths; additional information is required to determine true widths.

Semafo�s properties in Burkina Faso are within the Hound� volcano-sedimentary belt. As described in previous technical reports, more than one mineralization type has been recognized in the area, such as the Nyaf� deposit which is of vein-type in sheared volcanics and the Wona deposit, which lies in meta-sediments. The latter is related to silicification which is often brecciated and generally at proximity of a graphitic horizon.

The drilling programs were designed and managed locally by Dofinta Bond�, Mana Mineral�s Exploration Chief Geologist and guided and supervised under the direction of Michel Crevier P.Geo MScA, Geology Manager and Semafo�s Qualified Person who has reviewed this press release for accuracy and compliance with the Canadian Instrument 43-101.

All individual samples represented one-meter length of core drilling which was sawn in half or one-meter length RC drilling riffle spit to end to 1 Kg sample.  One half core or 1 Kg RC sample is kept on site as a control with the identical sample sent for preparation and gold assaying at the ALS Chemex laboratories in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.  Each sample was fire assayed for gold content on a 50-gram sub-sample at the same ALS Chemex laboratories.  Complementing ALS Chemex�s own QA/QC (Quality Assurance / Quality Control) program, an internal quality control and quality assurance program was in place throughout the sampling program, using blind duplicates and recognized industry standards.

Mana is Semafo�s newest mine located in Burkina Faso, approximately 200 km west of the capital Ouagadougou.  The Mana mine�s first gold pour took place on March 31, with commercial production declared during the second quarter 2008 .  Mana has a total of 924,600 ounces of gold mineral reserves, 317,800 ounces of measured and indicated resources and 1,867,100 ounces of inferred resources. The Mana start-up marked the third time Semafo has successfully brought a West African gold project into production.

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 t o 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 contact :

SEMAFO:
Benoit La Salle,
President & CEO
Tel :  (514) 744-4408
E-Mail :  blasalle@semafo.com 

Renmark Financial Communications Inc. :
Maurice Dagenais : mdagenais@renmarkfinancial.com
Jason Roy : jroy@renmarkfinancial.com
Tel :  (514) 939-3989
Fax : (514) 939-3717
www.renmarkfinancial.com