SEMAFO Leads in Corporate Social Responsibility and Becomes a Signatory of the United Nations Global Compact

SEMAFO Inc. (TSX:SMF)(OMX:SMF) today announced that the Corporation has become a
signatory of the United Nations ("UN") Global Compact. The Global Compact is a
policy platform and practical framework for companies that are devoted to
sustainability and responsible business practices. Its objective is to align
business operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in
the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. With less
than 2% of participants in the mining sector, SEMAFO is among industry leaders
with its support of this global initiative, which was launched by the United
Nations in July 2000.


"We are proud to be a leader for corporate social responsibility in West
Africa," said Benoit La Salle, SEMAFO's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We remain focused on creating value for the communities and countries in which
we operate. Through our existing corporate social responsibility programs and
now our commitment to the United Nations Global Compact, we are paving the way
to effect positive long-term change in West Africa." 


As a strong proponent of corporate social responsibility ("CSR") activities, in
February 2011, SEMAFO began its broadcast of "Together for a Better Society", a
30-minute weekly national radio campaign in Burkina Faso. A total of 52 episodes
were broadcasted in partnership with the Government of Burkina Faso and local
organizations. These radio segments raise awareness and provide important
information to favour development around social, economic and environmental
issues.


"We would like to express our gratitude towards SEMAFO, a company that in its
mining operations and its commitment to social responsibility, is the corporate
role model our country needs," said Luc Adolphe TIAO, Prime Minister of Burkina
Faso.


SEMAFO's commitment to corporate social responsibility extends to both SEMAFO
Energy and Fondation SEMAFO. The Corporation has contributed its savoir-faire to
assist SEMAFO Energy in the effort to create consortiums that will work closely
with host country governments to increase their energy resources. These efforts
were recognized earlier this month at the 2012 Africa Mining Congress in
Livingstone, Zambia, where SEMAFO was presented with the Green Energy Award.


In 2011, SEMAFO also continued its important corporate philanthropy program of
donating up to 2% of its net income to support Fondation SEMAFO in the
realization of vital projects. In its vision of becoming a role model for
foundations in West Africa, Fondation SEMAFO has aligned its actions with the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals, an initiative also advocated by the
UN Global Compact. The foundation's objectives are to expand education,
facilitate access to healthcare, initiate revenue-generating programs and create
a global partnership for development.


Recent and ongoing initiatives include:



--  Construction of schools, establishment of lunch programs and support for
    adult education programs 
--  Construction of health care clinics 
--  Launch of a cervical cancer prevention program in partnership with world
    renowned doctors from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of
    Canada 
--  Collection, delivery and distribution of donated items, including
    medical supplies, school and office supplies, books, clothing and other
    miscellaneous items, filling 44 freight containers since 2009 
--  Revenue-generating programs, which to date have benefited thousands of
    Burkinabe and Nigeriens: 
    --  Production and international marketing of Shea products in Burkina
        Faso 
    --  Production and improved processing of sesame for international
        markets 
    --  Development of the paprika industry in Burkina Faso and Niger 
    --  Installation of multifunctional platforms to power devices such as
        grain mills, pumps and generators, which aid in the creation of
        small businesses and promote the empowerment of local populations 



Complete information regarding SEMAFO's CSR initiatives can be found in the 2010
Sustainable Development Report located at www.semafo.com. The 2011 Sustainable
Development Report will be available in March 2012.


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.