Dec 22 (Reuters) - Semafo Inc SMF.TO
* Semafo awarded mining permit for natougou project
* Semafo inc says first gold pour is expected in second half of 2018 at natougou gold project
* Semafo says initial capex for project estimated at us$219 million, which includes us$42 million in pre-stripping expenditures and an us$18-million contingency
* Semafo inc says council of ministers of government of burkina faso has approved its mining permit application for natougou gold project Source text for Eikon: ID:nCCN1XJ3XV Further company coverage: SMF.TO