(Ecofin Agency) - SEMAFO inc (TSX : SMF) (OMX : SMF) fixed at $11 million the amount to be invested in its exploration projects in Burkina Faso this year. The sum will be injected in its Natougou, Mana projects as well as others susceptible of needing an investment.

$6 million will be injected into exploration activities in Natougou (Tapao permit). These activities include various drilling programs: 20,000 m reverse drilling, 60,000 m auger drilling, 6,000 m core drilling. The last one aims to insure continuity of the mineralization zone under the footwall of the Bougou shear zone. The control will extend to the South-Western area of the Natougou deposit.

In Mana, $4.5 million will be invested to proceed to a 27,000 m reverse drilling on the three areas south of the Mana factory. Moreover, the firm plans to drill another 27,000 m with auger in the areas that are at truck-transport distance from the Mana factory.

Stéphanie C. TOHON