SEMAFO Appoints Robert LaValliere, Vice-President Investor Relations

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 13, 2012) - SEMAFO Inc. (TSX:SMF)(OMX:SMF) today announced the appointment of Robert LaVallière to the position of Vice-President, Investor Relations effective October 1, 2012. Mr. LaVallière will report directly to Benoit Desormeaux, CPA, CA, the Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer.

In this new role, Mr. LaVallière will be responsible for managing relationships with shareholders, analysts and the financial community to ensure their understanding of the Corporation's financial and operational performance, strategy, and growth prospects.

"SEMAFO has a strong commitment to creating value for our shareholders," said Benoit Desormeaux, "Robert's expertise will further showcase that commitment by building on existing strong relationships, as well as forging new ones within the global investment community."

Mr. LaVallière has over 25 years of investor relations experience in the mining industry and extensive knowledge of exploration, project assessment, mergers and acquisitions and communications at both national and international levels. Prior to joining SEMAFO, Mr. LaVallière held investor relations positions as Vice-President Corporate Affairs for Anvil Mining and Manager, Investor Relations at Cambior.

Mr. LaVallière (P.Geo) has a bachelor's degree in geology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities in West Africa. The Corporation currently operates three gold mines: the Mana Mine in Burkina Faso, the Samira Hill Mine in Niger and the Kiniero Mine in Guinea. SEMAFO is committed to evolve in a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of interest. SEMAFO's strategic focus is to maximize shareholder value by effectively managing its existing assets as well as pursuing organic and strategic growth opportunities.