SEMAFO: Attack on Government Security Forces in Est Region

Montreal, Quebec, December 3, 2018 – SEMAFO Inc. (TSX, OMX: SMF) regrets to report that government security forces were attacked on the road between Fada and the Boungou Mine site in the Est region of Burkina Faso. As a result, four gendarmes and the driver of their vehicle lost their lives.

The incident did not affect operations at the Boungou Mine, located over 40 kilometers away. No SEMAFO employees were involved in the incident, but senior management continues its discussions with the government regarding the security of the public road. We remain strongly committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security for our employees and operations.

The Corporation would like to express its sincere sympathy to families of the victims in addition to its firm support of Burkina Faso’s security forces.

For more information, contact

John Jentz

Vice-President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Email: John.Jentz@semafo.com

Ruth Hanna

Analyst, Investor Relations

Email: Ruth.Hanna@semafo.com

Tel. local & overseas: +1 (514) 744 4408

North America Toll-Free: 1 (888) 744 4408

Website: www.semafo.com

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer with over twenty years' experience building and operating mines in West Africa. The Corporation operates two mines, the Mana and Boungou Mines in Burkina Faso. SEMAFO is committed to building value through responsible mining of its quality assets and leveraging its development pipeline.