Gold Exploration in West Africa

[FL]

Semafo (SMF.TO) nice continuity results in Burkina Faso

SEMAFO Reports Mana Diamond Drilling Results - In-fill Drilling Results Confirm Continuity of Wona Deep Zone
Dec, 10, 2009 11:24 AM - Canada Newswire

SEMAFO TSX-SMF

MONTREAL, Dec. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - SEMAFO (TSX: SMF) today announced the most recent drilling results from its Mana Mine in Burkina Faso. The results continue to accentuate the robust nature of a significant high-grade lode located just below the bottom of the northern end of the Wona Main pit.

The Company's 2009 exploration program at Mana began in April and remains in progress. As at November 30, 2009, holes WDC80 through WDC172, totalling 34,722 meters of drilling have been completed with assay results having been received up to hole WDC164.

The current drilling program confirms the NE at-depth high-grade extension of the Wona zone. Initial reference to this potential mineralization was made in SEMAFO's press releases dated March 24, 2008, with further updates released throughout 2008 and 2009.

Recent drilling results validate the continuity of mineralized zones at-depth as reported in SEMAFO's press release dated October 29, 2009, with some up-side. The high grade results of Hole WDC147 add to the evolving model and demonstrate, once again, that the Wona deep zone connects to the bottom of the northern end of the Wona main pit.

Drill hole WDC159 on Section 18100N validates the mineralization identified by hole WDC130 (refer to press release dated October 13, 2009). Hole WDC159 crossed the Wona mineralized zone as did hole WDC130, and while results demonstrate a low grade, the thickness is significant. Hole WDC159 also crossed the new zone identified in the second intersect of hole WDC130, although mineralization was predominated by dykes and complex structures at this location. Drilling is ongoing over these targets.

The following table presents the drill results including the main mineralized intersections and high-grade values.

<<
DDH Intersections At-Depth
Wona Deep
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DDH No. Section From To Au / Length*
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WDC142(xx) 16650 482 500.4 1.67 g/t / 18.4 m
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WDC142(xx) 16650 511.5 535 2.57 g/t / 23.5 m
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WDC143(xx) 17400 332.8 370.3 2.54 g/t / 37.5 m
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WDC147 16550 162 186 3.90 g/t / 24 m
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WDC148 16875 196 236.7 3.78 g/t / 40.7 m
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WDC149 16975 266 326.5 3.61 g/t / 60.5 m
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WDC150 16550 264.6 271.4 3.59 g/t / 6.80 m
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WDC151 16925 308 358.6 3.02 g/t / 50.6 m
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WDC152 16975 207 211 2.16 g/t / 4 m
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WDC153 17025 300.4 314.6 2.81 g/t / 14.2 m
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WDC153 17025 335.2 349.5 3.07 g/t / 14.3 m
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WDC154 16825 232 282.6 3.08 g/t / 50.6 m
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WDC155 16925 264 284 3.23 g/t / 20 m
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WDC155 16925 292 303 2.68 g/t / 11 m
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WDC156 16600 Assays are pending
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WDC157 16825 172 194.6 4.19 g/t / 22.6 m
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WDC158 16925 201 216 3.41 g/t / 15 m
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WDC159 18100 10 34 1.15 g/t / 24 m
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WDC160 16825 Assays are pending
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WDC161 16850 543.3 546.3 2.71 g/t / 3 m
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WDC162 16875 156 181 3.20 g/t / 25 m
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WDC163 16900 315 344 2.45 g/t / 29 m
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WDC164 16925 137.6 169.4 2.80 g/t / 31.8 m
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* All lengths are measured along the hole axis; additional information
is required to determine true widths.
(xx) Drill hole was reported in previous press release with assays
pending.

This press release contains a map, click here to view full document:
http://files.newswire.ca/357/Semafo-Mana.doc
>>

The drill holes described above are presented on the attached longitudinal section displaying contoured grade-thickness product. The longitudinal schematic shows the mineralization trend along with previously reported drill holes.

The drilling programs were designed and managed locally by Dofinta Bondé, Mana Mineral's Exploration Chief Geologist and Donald Trudel, experienced mine and exploration professional 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 National Instrument 43-101.

All individual samples represent approximately one-meter in length of core which was sawn in half. Half of the core is kept on site for reference and its counterpart is sent for preparation and gold assaying at the ALS Chemex laboratories in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Each sample is fire-assayed for gold content on a 50-gram sub-sample at the same ALS Chemex laboratories. In addition to ALS Chemex's own QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) program, an internal QA/QC program is in place throughout the sampling program, using blind duplicates, blanks and recognized industry standards.

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.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain 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. Forward-looking statements include words such as "continue", "accentuate", "remains", "in progress", "evolving", "trend", "evolve", "become", "maintaining", "strengthening", "increase" and other similar expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include our ability to continue or complete our 2009 exploration program at Mana, the ability of drill hole WDC159 on Section 18100N to further validate the mineralization identified by hole WDC130, fluctuation in the price of gold, mining industry risks, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral reserves and resources, delays and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company is of the opinion that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such 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 Company's 2008 Annual MD&A, as updated in the 2009 First Quarter MD&A, 2009 Second Quarter MD&A and 2009 Third Quarter MD&A, and other filings 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.