Teranga Gold Reports Favourable Results from Drilling on the Sabodala Mine License

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 27, 2017) - Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TGZ.TO)(TGZ.TO) is pleased to announce initial results from its exploration drilling program at its Niakafiri deposit on the Sabodala mine license in Senegal, West Africa.

"We are pleased to be drilling at Niakafiri. With the resumption of drilling, we believe there is considerable opportunity to upgrade the existing resources and reserves. With results received from 27 of the 115 planned holes, we are encouraged by the favourable results thus far," stated Paul Chawrun, Chief Operating Officer of Teranga.

The majority of the Niakafiri suite of deposits were delineated at the inception of the Sabodala project in 2009 and represents a combined measured and indicated resource of approximately 600,000 ounces, an inferred resource of approximately 220,000 ounces and reserves of over 300,000 ounces⁽¹⁾ included within the total resource estimate (see Table 1A in Appendix 1). These resources and reserves have been delineated near surface with the oxide zone extending at depth and are approximately 3 kilometres from the Sabodala mill (see Figure 1 in Appendix 1). Further development drilling of Niakafiri resources was halted until Teranga was able to access these areas with stakeholder support. Since re-initiation of this program with one drill in late 2016, we have increased present activity to four drills in order to complete the drilling in time for inclusion in an updated mid-year resource and reserve statement.

Added David Mallo, Vice President Exploration of Teranga, "The Niakafiri drilling program will continue throughout 2017 as we seek to upgrade resource classification, infill gaps between resource outlines and evaluate mineralisation along strike of the deposits."

HIGHLIGHTS

• 6.90 g/t Au over 8 metres including 45.5 g/t Au over 1 metre in MDD17-242
  
  

• 2.45 g/t Au over 17 metres including 3.25 g/t Au over 11 metres in MDD16-235
  
  

• 1.89 g/t Au over 12 metres including 5.25 g/t Au over 3 metres in MDD17-239
  
  

• Teranga has four diamond core drills currently active at Niakafiri
  
  

DRILLING UPDATE

The current phase of the Niakafiri drill program consists of 115 proposed core holes totaling 12,000 metres to be drilled at four components of the Niakafiri deposit; Niakafiri Main, Niakafiri Southeast, Niakafiri West and Dinkokono (see Figure 2 in Appendix 1). The most advanced portion of Niakafiri is the eastern component where most of the current drilling program has been completed and all reported results are located. The majority of the planned 2017 drilling is at Niakafiri West where the objectives are to upgrade the resource categories and to fill in a gap of approximately 1.5 kilometres along Niakafiri West extending northwards towards known mineralization at Soukhoto. An additional phase of drilling will be undertaken based on interpretation of the results from the current program.

The results received to date from the eastern portion of the Niakafiri deposit drilling (see Figure 2 in Appendix 1) are encouraging. We have successfully filled in gaps between previously outlined resource pit shells, extended mineralization up-dip in a number of areas of the deposit and successfully filled in previous widely spaced drill intersections. In addition, a number of near surface high grade intercepts have been received from the initial assay results (see Table 1 on the next page).

Furthermore, the results from all components of the current Niakafiri drill program will be incorporated into an updated mid-year resource and reserve statement. The current Niakafiri resource and reserve base estimation is outlined in Tables 1A and 1B (see Tables 1A & 1B in Appendix 1).

Pending further favourable results at Niakafiri, the Company expects to further evaluate the impact on pit sequencing in the life of mine plan and the timing of village relocation.

A listing of the favourable drill hole intersections currently available from the eastern portion of the Niakafiri deposit is outlined in the following Table 1, while the complete listing of drill results for all 27 holes currently available from this extensive drill program is included in Table 2 (see Table 2 in Appendix 1).

Table 1: Niakafiri Drilling Highlights*

												Interval (m)
Hole #		Northing		Easting		Azimuth		Dip				From		To		Core Length (m)		Grade (g/t Au)
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47				8		12		4		1.09
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47				42		54		12		1.01
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47		incl.		43		46		3		2.63
MDD16-229		1457274		813506		112		-45				29		37		8		1.72
MDD16-229		1457274		813506		112		-45		incl.		32		37		5		2.45
MDD16-233		1457208		813444		111		-49				50		55		5		1.63
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53				0		22		22		0.92
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53		incl.		4		11		7		1.42
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53				24		41		17		2.45
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53		incl.		24		35		11		3.25
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47				11		23		12		1.89
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47		incl.		15		18		3		5.25
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				2		5		3		3.97
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				19		27		8		1.86
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45		incl.		24		27		3		4.2
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63				20		28		8		1.34
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63		incl.		26		27		1		5.56
MDD17-242		1456267		813402		110		-60				17		25		8		6.9
MDD17-242		1456267		813402		110		-60		incl.		20		21		1		45.5
MDD17-249		1457469		813549		112		-45				34		40		6		1.5
MDD17-249		1457469		813549		112		-45		incl.		35		36		1		6.8
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				1		2		1		4.51
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				13		18		5		1.68
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				22		23		1		2.87
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				34		35		1		12.3

*Intervals calculated using a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off and 2 metres maximum internal dilution. True widths are unknown and intercept gold values are determined from uncapped assays. UTM Coordinates are WGS84 30N

Endnotes

(1) Proven and Probable reserves of 8.95 Mt at 1.09 g/t for 314 Koz (see Table 1A in Appendix 1).

Competent Persons Statements

The technical information contained in this document relating to the open pit mineral reserve estimates is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr. William Paul Chawrun, P. Eng who is a member of the Professional Engineers Ontario, which is currently included as a "Recognized Overseas Professional Organization" in a list promulgated by the ASX from time to time. Mr. Chawrun is a full time employee of Teranga and is not "independent" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. However, he is a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Chawrun has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr. Chawrun is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Chawrun has consented to the inclusion in this Report of the matters based on his compiled information in the form and context in which it appears in this Report.

The technical information contained in this Report relating to mineral resource estimates for Niakafiri is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Ms. Patti Nakai-Lajoie. Ms. Nakai-Lajoie, P. Geo., is a Member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario, which is currently included as a "Recognized Overseas Professional Organization" in a list promulgated by the ASX from time to time. Ms. Nakai-Lajoie is a full time employee of Teranga and is not "independent" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Nakai-Lajoie has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which she is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Ms. Nakai-Lajoie is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Ms. Nakai-Lajoie has consented to the inclusion in this Report of the matters based on her compiled information in the form and context in which it appears in this Report.

Teranga's exploration programs are being managed by Peter Mann, FAusIMM. Mr. Mann is a full time employee of Teranga and is not "independent" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Mann has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr. Mann is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The technical information contained in this news release relating exploration results are based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr. Mann. Mr. Mann has verified and approved the data disclosed in this release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information. The RC samples are prepared at site and assayed in the SGS laboratory located at the site. Analysis for diamond drilling is sent for fire assay analysis at ALS Johannesburg, South Africa. Mr. Mann has consented to the inclusion in this news release of the matters based on his compiled information in the form and context in which it appears herein.

Teranga's disclosure of mineral reserve and mineral resource information is governed by NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as may be amended from time to time by the CIM ("CIM Standards"). CIM definitions of the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource", are substantially similar to the JORC Code corresponding definitions of the terms "ore reserve", "proved ore reserve", "probable ore reserve", "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource", respectively. Estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves prepared in accordance with the JORC Code would not be materially different if prepared in accordance with the CIM definitions applicable under NI 43-101. There can be no assurance that those portions of mineral resources that are not mineral reserves will ultimately be converted into mineral reserves.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Teranga's future growth, results of operations (including, without limitation, future production and capital expenditures), performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects (including the timing and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "trends", "indications", "potential", "estimates", "predicts", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend", "ability to" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward looking information. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations, future economic conditions and anticipated courses of action. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Teranga cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the ability to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, the accuracy of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, gold price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates of free cash flow, and courses of action. Teranga cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.

The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of gold and other key inputs, changes in mine plans and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Teranga, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Teranga's Amended and Restated Annual Information Form dated November 15, 2016, and in other filings of Teranga with securities and regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Teranga does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. Nothing in this report should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Teranga securities. All references to Teranga include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.

About Teranga

Teranga is a multi-jurisdictional West African gold company focused on production and development as well as the exploration of more than 5,000km² of land located on prospective gold belts.

Since its initial public offering in 2010, Teranga has produced more than 1.2 million ounces of gold from its operations in Senegal. Following its recent acquisition of Gryphon Minerals, the Company is fast-tracking the completion of a feasibility study for the Banfora Project. Concurrent with its production and development activities, exploration programs are underway to seek to increase the Company's reserve base through resource conversion and making new discoveries. Teranga has a strong balance sheet and the financial flexibility to continue to grow its business.

Steadfast in its commitment to set the benchmark for responsible mining, Teranga operates in accordance with the highest international standards and aims to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic, environmental, and community development as it strives to create value for all of its stakeholders. Teranga is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and a leading member of the multi-stakeholder group responsible for the submission of the first Senegalese Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative revenue report. The Company's 2015 responsibility report, which is available at www.terangagold.com/2015responsibilityreport, is prepared in accordance with its commitments under the United Nations Global Compact and in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines.

APPENDIX 1

To view Figure 1: Map of Sabodala Mine License please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/SabodalaMineLicense.jpg

To view Figure 2: Plan Map - Niakafiri Drilling Area please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/NiakafiriDrillingArea.jpg

Table 1A: Current Open Pit and Underground Mineral Reserves Summary (as of December 31, 2015)

Deposits		Proven						Probable						Proven and Probable
		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)
Niakafiri Main		4.06		1.23		161		3.41		0.94		103		7.47		1.10		264
Niakafiri SE		0.00		0.00		0		1.12		1.09		39		1.12		1.09		39
Niakafiri SW		0.00		0.00		0		0.37		0.92		11		0.37		0.92		11
Total		4.06		1.23		161		4.89		0.97		153		8.95		1.09		314

Notes for Mineral Reserves Summary

1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Reserves.

2. Mineral Reserve cut off grades for range from are 0.35 g/t to 0.63 g/t Au for oxide and 0.42 g/t to 0.73 g/t Au for fresh based on a $1,100/oz gold price

3. Mineral Reserve cut off grades for Sabodala 0.45 g/t for oxide and 0.55 g/t for fresh based on a $1,100/oz gold price

4. Underground reserves cut-off grades ranged from 2.3-2.6 g/t based on $1,200/oz gold price

5. Sum of individual amounts may not equal due to rounding.

6. The Niakafiri Main deposit is adjacent to the Sabodala village and relocation of at least some portion of the village will be required which will necessitate a negotiated resettlement program with the affected community members..

Table 1B: Current Open Pit and Underground Mineral Resources Summary (as of December 31, 2015)

Deposits				Measured						Indicated						Measured and Indicated						Inferred
				Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)		Tonnes (Mt)		Grade (g/t)		Au (Koz)
NiakafiriMain		Open Pit		4.91		1.33		210		7.22		0.98		228		12.13		1.12		438		2.47		1.09		87
		Underground																				0.18		2.51		15
		Combined		4.91		1.33		210		7.22		0.98		228		12.13		1.12		438		2.66		1.19		102
NiakafiriWest		Open Pit																				2.57		1.29		107
		Underground																				0.09		2.82		8
		Combined																				2.66		1.34		115
NiakafiriSW		Open Pit								0.77		0.81		20		0.77		0.81		20		0.03		0.67		1
		Underground
		Combined								0.77		0.81		20		0.77		0.81		20		0.03		0.67		1
NiakafiriSE		Open Pit								4.44		0.98		140		4.44		0.98		140		0.16		0.96		5
		Underground								0.07		2.60		6		0.07		2.60		6		0.02		2.64		1
		Combined								4.51		1.01		146		4.51		1.01		146		0.18		1.11		6
Total		Open Pit		4.91		1.33		210		12.43		0.97		388		17.34		1.07		598		5.23		1.18		199
		Underground								0.07		2.60		6		0.07		2.60		6		0.29		2.61		24
		Combined		4.91		1.33		210		12.50		0.98		394		17.41		1.08		604		5.52		1.26		223

Notes for Mineral Resources Summary

1. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources.

2. Open pit oxide Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.35 g/t Au, except for Gora at 0.48 g/t Au.

3. Open pit transition and fresh rock Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 0.40 g/t Au, except for Gora at 0.55 g/t Au.

4. Underground Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 2.00 g/t Au.

5. High grade assays were capped at grades ranging from 1.5 g/t Au to 110 g/t Au.

6. The figures above are "Total" Mineral Resources and include Mineral Reserves.

7. Open pit shells were used to constrain open pit resources.

8. Mineral Resources are estimated using a gold price of US$1,450 per ounce.

9. Sum of individual amounts may not equal due to rounding.

Table 2: Summary of Niakafiri Drilling Results

												Interval (m)
Hole #		Northing		Easting		Azimuth		Dip				From		To		Core Length (m)		Grade (g/t Au)
MDD16-227		1457522		813507		110		-47				6		7		1		2.93
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47				8		12		4		1.09
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47				42		54		12		1.01
MDD16-228		1457509		813556		111		-47		incl.		43		46		3		2.63
MDD16-229		1457274		813506		112		-45				29		37		8		1.72
MDD16-229		1457274		813506		112		-45		incl.		32		37		5		2.45
MDD16-230		1457284		813457		112		-45				19		20		1		1.13
MDD16-231		1457196		813487		112		-45				22		24		2		1.24
MDD16-231		1457196		813487		112		-45				49		52		3		1.88
MDD16-232		1457158		813475		108		-47				22		26		4		1.11
MDD16-232		1457158		813475		108		-47				44		45		1		2.31
MDD16-233		1457208		813444		111		-49				50		55		5		1.63
MDD16-233		1457208		813444		111		-49		incl.		53		55		2		3.31
MDD16-234		1455830		813173		109		-46				71		72		1		1.78
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53				0		22		22		0.92
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53		incl.		4		11		7		1.42
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53				24		41		17		2.45
MDD16-235		1455851		813253		110		-53		incl.		24		35		11		3.25
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58				6		11		5		0.95
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58		incl.		6		7		1		2.77
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58				14		17		3		1.41
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58				24		29		5		1.12
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58		incl.		24		27		2		2.15
MDD16-236		1455772		813220		110		-58				35		37		2		1.1
MDD17-237		1455811		813248		109		-48				33		35		2		0.76
MDD17-238		1456105		813388		112		-46				6		8		2		0.66
MDD17-238		1456105		813388		112		-46				12		17		5		0.96
MDD17-238		1456105		813388		112		-46		incl.		12		13		1		3.25
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47				0		7		7		0.81
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47		incl.		0		2		2		1.62
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47				9		10		1		1.73
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47				11		23		12		1.89
MDD17-239		1456189		813384		110		-47		incl.		15		18		3		5.25
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				2		5		3		3.97
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				19		27		8		1.86
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45		incl.		24		27		3		4.2
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				31		32		1		1.74
MDD17-240		1456229		813389		110		-45				38		40		2		1.17
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63				20		28		8		1.34
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63		incl.		26		27		1		5.56
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63				100		103		3		0.85
MDD17-241		1456257		813280		111		-63				110		114		4		0.81
MDD17-242		1456267		813402		110		-60				17		25		8		6.9
MDD17-242		1456267		813402		110		-60		incl.		20		21		1		45.5
MDD17-243		1456296		813288		112		-58				20		22		2		1.76
MDD17-243		1456296		813288		112		-58				58		60		2		1.05
MDD17-243		1456296		813288		112		-58				84		86		2		0.8
MDD17-244		1456146		813389		112		-47				NSR		NSR				NSR
MDD17-245		1457474		813521		112		-51				28		29		1		2.59
MDD17-246		1457442		813487		109		-45				53		54		1		1.72
MDD17-247		1457430		813539		112		-45				17		18		1		1.39
MDD17-247		1457430		813539		112		-45				36		38		2		1.02
MDD17-247		1457430		813539		112		-45				42		43		1		1.44
MDD17-248		1457362		813485		111		-53				62		65		3		0.97
MDD17-249		1457469		813549		112		-45				10		12		2		1.27
MDD17-249		1457469		813549		112		-45				34		40		6		1.5
MDD17-249		1457469		813549		112		-45		incl.		35		36		1		6.8
MDD17-250		1457352		813522		110		-46				5		7		2		0.96
MDD17-251		1456237		813356		111		-56				57		58		1		2.1
MDD17-251		1456237		813356		111		-56				65		66		1		2.63
MDD17-251		1456237		813356		111		-56				90		91		1		1.25
MDD17-251		1456237		813356		111		-56				108		109		1		1.24
MDD17-252		1456248		813321		111		-61				Pending		Pending		Pending		Pending
MDD17-253		1456324		813342		110		-61				Pending		Pending		Pending		Pending
MDD17-254		1456286		81330		111		-62				23		24		1		0.92
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				1		2		1		4.51
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				13		18		5		1.68
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				22		23		1		2.87
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				34		35		1		12.3
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				51		52		1		1.2
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				62		63		1		1.32
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				90		91		1		1.63
MDD17-255		1456335		813295		112		-58				96		97		1		2.15

*Intervals calculated using a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off and 2 metres maximum internal dilution. True widths are unknown and intercept gold values are determined from uncapped assays. UTM Coordinates are WGS84 30N