SABINA GOLD & SILVER REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE TO ADVANCE BACK RIVER GOLD PROJECT WITH POSITIVE DECISION FROM MINISTER OF INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS CANADA

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (TSX:SBB.T), (“Sabina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received a positive decision from the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (the “Minister” or “INAC”) that the Back River Project (the “Project” or “Back River”) may move forward to the regulatory and licensing phase which would include completion of all necessary permits to commence mine construction. 

In July 2017, the Nunavut Impact Review Board (“NIRB”) completed its review of the environmental assessment of the Project and recommended to the Minister that the Project should be given approval to obtain the required permits and licenses for mine construction and operation.  In a letter dated December 5, 2017, the Minister on behalf of the five responsible federal Ministers, accepted NIRB's recommendation. The NIRB will now work towards issuing a Project Certificate for Back River, which will attach the terms and conditions for mine development, construction, operation and eventual closure.

"This letter is a significant milestone event for the Back River Project and for Sabina as it is the most important decision in the permitting process,” said Bruce McLeod, President & CEO.  “After a multi-year environmental assessment, we are extremely pleased that Back River now has the green light to move ahead to the final phase.  The issuance of a Project Certificate for Back River enables us to start preparing in earnest towards our goal of becoming a mid-tier gold producer in one of the world’s best mining jurisdictions, and now enables us to formalize our budget and work plans for 2018.  In addition, the recent execution of a binding term sheet with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association has strengthened our relationship with our stakeholders and we look forward to creating a long-lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development for the people of the Kitikmeot Region and Nunavut.”

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