Replies to post #1284 on Gold Exploration in West Africa

[FL]

Semafo announces record third quarter production

TSX-SMF

MONTREAL, Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - SEMAFO (TSX - SMF) is pleased to announce that it produced a total of 47,562 ounces of gold from its operations during the third quarter ended September 30, 2005. This represents an increase of 24 % or 9,377 ounces of gold compared to the previous quarter record production of 38,185 ounces set at the end of June 2005 for both operations.

In the third quarter, the Samira Hill gold mine processed a total of 410,526 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 2.62 g/t at a recovery rate of 90%, resulting in record production of 31,272 ounces of gold. This represents a 56% increase or 11,242 additional ounces of gold over the second quarter ended June 30, 2005. Increased production was due to higher mill availability and higher grade throughput at the mill.

The Kiniero gold mine, processed a total of 150,523 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 3.60 g/t at a recovery rate of 93%, resulting in total production of 16,291 ounces of gold. These results are consistent with the previous quarter and in line with budget forecasts. It demonstrates that Kiniero is online to fulfill its yearly objective of producing 65,000 ounces in 2005.

"We are delighted with third quarter results" stated Benoit La Salle, Semafo's CEO. "Both Samira Hill and Kiniero are progressing towards their overall production objectives."

Complete results for the third quarter along with Management's Discussion and Analysis will be released and posted on the Company's website in November.

The Samira Hill Gold Mine is owned 40% by Semafo, 40% by Etruscan and 20% by the State of Niger. However, the cash flow attributable to Semafo represents 80% of the free operating cash flow from the mine until complete repayment of Semafo's investment in the operating company.

The Kiniero Mine is owned 85% by Semafo and 15% by the Republic of Guinea.

The supervision of the Kiniero and Samira operation is conducted by Patrick Moryoussef, eng., Mining Operation Manager of the company. Mr. Moryoussef is a qualified person as defined by the Canadian standards 43-101, and possesses over 15 years experience in exploration, operation and mining exploitation activities. All samples were assayed at the Samira and Kiniero on site laboratories in Niger and Guinea for the determination of the grade in gold by fire assay and atomic absorption.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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The common shares of Semafo are traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SMF".

Semafo is a mining company whose mission is to explore, develop and mine major gold deposits in West Africa. Semafo currently operates the Kiniero mine in Guinea and the Samira Hill mine in Niger.

For further information: Montreal: Benoit La Salle, Chief Executive
Officer, [phone], [e-mail] ;
Benoit Desormeaux, Chief Operating Officer, [phone], [e-mail] ;
Renmark Financial Communications Inc.: Tina Cameron, [e-mail]
Christopher Wells, [e-mail] ;
Media: Cynthia Lane, [e-mail] ;
[phone], www.renmarkfinancial.com