SEMAFO's Mana mill

SEMAFO's Mana mill

SEMAFO (TSX - SMF) today announced that the commissioning of the Mana processing plant is progressing according to schedule. Based on the current timetable, the first gold pour is expected prior to month end.

"Ore feed to the mill has been progressively increased with an average of 1,200 tons per day having been processed over the past 14 days," said Benoit Desormeaux, Semafo's Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are pleased to report that the mill is operating on a continuous basis, save planned shut downs for start-up adjustments and equipment fine-tuning.

Gold production will commence utilizing the first of two ball mills to be installed at the plant. The first ball mill will provide a daily throughput of 2,000 tonnes, for an estimated monthly gold production of 4,000 ounces. The second ball mill, scheduled to enter into service in the third quarter of 2008, will increase daily throughput to 4,000 tonnes augmenting monthly gold production to 10,000 ounces. Accordingly, Mana gold production for 2008 is anticipated to be between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces.

Given the increased scope of the project resulting from the addition of a second ball mill, engineering work is underway to increase throughput using both ball mills concurrently. These enhancements are scheduled to be implemented for year-end.