Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.: Sabina Gold & Silver Announces Commencement of the Review of its Water License Applications for the Back River Project

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2017-12-11 13:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp (TSX:SBB.T), ("Sabina" or the "Company") is pleased
to announce that the Nunavut Water Board (NWB) has commenced public review of
the Type A and Type B water license applications related to initial
development, mine construction and operation of the Back River Project (the
"Project" or "Back River"). 

As announced on December 6, 2017, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern
Affairs Canada, on behalf of the five responsible federal Ministers, accepted
Nunavut Impact Review Board's recommendation for the Project to proceed to the
regulatory and licensing phase.  The NIRB has advised that the final Project
Certificate will be issued on or before January 4, 2018. 

The Type B water license would enable Sabina to commence certain initial
pre-development activities in 2018 including onsite construction of service
roads and laydown pads, and the mobilization of fuel, supplies and equipment at
the Goose property and marine laydown area.  Sabina anticipates approval of the
Type B water license in late Q1, 2018. 

The Type A water license would allow for full construction and operation of the
Back River project.  Sabina anticipates approval of the Type A water license in
Q4, 2018. 

"With a positive Ministers decision now in hand we are pleased to see that the
licensing process has commenced which will enable full development of the Back
River Project" said Bruce McLeod, President & CEO.  "We look forward to
receiving the Project Certificate, various final licenses as well as finalizing
the definitive agreements with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association for land tenure
and Inuit benefits." 

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company
with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the world's
newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada. 

In September 2015, Sabina released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back
River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for
purpose basis, with the potential to produce ~200,000 ounces a year for ~11
years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80
exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return
of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million. 

The Project has advanced through the environmental assessment process with a
positive decision from the federal government received December 5, 2017.  The
Project is now in the final regulatory and licensing phase. 

In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on
Glencore's Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett River's silver
production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and
12.5% of all the silver produced thereafter. 

The Company had cash and equivalents of C$38.5m at September 30, 2017.

For further information please contact:

Nicole Hoeller, Vice-President, Communications:     1 888 648-4218
[e-mail]

Forward Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of
applicable securities laws (the "forward-looking statements"), including our
belief as to the extent, results of permitting and environmental assessment
outcomes, and access to project funding. These forward-looking statements are
made as of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that
the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such
forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations
upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have
based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events
as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a
guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks,
uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or
outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors and assumptions include, among others,
the effects of general economic conditions, commodity prices, changing foreign
exchange rates and actions by government and regulatory authorities and
misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In
addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual
results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with
exploration and project development; the need for additional financing; the
calculation of mineral resources and reserves; operational risks associated
with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title
matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary licenses and
permits; environmental liability and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the
potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers or directors;
the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; labour disputes; competition;
dilution; the volatility of the our common share price and volume; future sales
of shares by existing shareholders; and other risks and uncertainties,
including those relating to the Back River Project and general risks associated
with the mineral exploration and development industry described in our Annual
Information Form, financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal period ended
December 31, 2016 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and
available at www.sedar.com. Although we have attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially
from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors
that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or
intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove
to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially
from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation
to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under
applicable securities laws. This news release is authorized by the undersigned
on behalf of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. 

                        Bruce McLeod, President & CEO
                        Suite 1800 - Two Bentall Centre
                               555 Burrard Street
                              Vancouver, BC V7X 1M9
                      Tel [phone]     Fax [phone]
                        http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com