Focus Ventures Ltd. - Geophysical Survey Commences at Santa Rosa Silver-Lead-Zinc Project, Peru

VANCOUVER, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ - Focus Ventures Ltd. (TSX-V: FCV.V) is pleased to announce that a high-resolution geophysical survey is underway at its recently acquired Santa Rosa property, located 100km north of the Peruvian capital, Lima, and 70km southeast of Focus' Minas Chanca silver project.

The CSAMT (Controlled Source Audio - Magnetotellurics) geophysical survey is designed to map the subsurface expression of the semi-massive and massive sulphide veins, breccias and stockwork zones that host the underground and surface high grade silver, lead and zinc mineralization over a 4.5km by 1km trend.

Results will be used to guide the upcoming drill program tentatively planned for Q1, 2011, subject to the granting of the necessary permits. The property has never undergone any systematic modern exploration and is presently undrilled. 

Sampling of the Santa Rosa and Milagros-Sally zones, returned high grade Ag, Pb and Zn within broad zones of stockwork, massive sulphide and breccia-hosted mineralization: e.g. 3.5 oz/t Ag, 4.7% Pb and 9.8% Zn over 4m, and 1.6 oz/t Ag, 1.5% Pb and 18.1% Zn over 3.5m (see Company press release dated November 29, 2010).

David Cass, President of Focus, commented: "The initiation of the work program within just two weeks of signing of the deal is a clear reflection of the property's simple logistics and ongoing good relations with the local community. We are confident the survey will better define the extent of the mineralization at Santa Rosa and fast-track the target definition process to drill testing in early 2011."

Background

The Santa Rosa project represents the Company's fourth acquisition in its ongoing search for high-potential, advanced-stage projects across Peru. The 551 hectare property is situated at an altitude of between 4,000m and 4,500m above sea level within the prolific Central Peru Polymetallic Belt, which hosts a number of world class silver, lead and zinc deposits such as Iscay Cruz, Uchucchagua and Cerro de Pasco.  Compañia Minera Volcan, the world's fourth biggest silver and zinc producer, operates the high-grade Shalca Ag-Pb-Zn Mine which borders the Santa Rosa property in the northern part of the mineralized corridor.

Focus can earn 100% in the property by making cash payments totalling US$9 million over 4 years to a local Peruvian company. For resources defined in Measured and Indicated categories in excess of 5 million tonnes, a royalty of US$1.19 per tonne will be payable.

Additional information on the Santa Rosa property will be available shortly on the Focus website: www.focusventuresltd.com.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. David Cass, Focus's President, who is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, and a "Qualified Person" in accordance with NI 43-101.

Samples were analyzed by ALS Chemex Laboratories in Lima.  Gold was assayed by Atomic Adsorption Spectrometry with fire assay gravimetric finish.  Silver was determined by multi-acid digestion and ICP-AES, with AA finish.  Lead and Zinc were determined by ICP with Atomic Adsorption Spectrometry and volumetric finish. ALS Chemex's quality control system complies with International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:2005.  Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Focus' own blanks and duplicates were included in the sample stream.

About Focus Ventures

Focus Ventures is acquiring advanced, drill-ready projects in Peru.  Backed by an experienced technical team of geologists and consultants, Focus's strategy is to identify and acquire former producing mines or un-tested gold properties that show potential to become new mines. 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Ralph Rushton"
Ralph Rushton, Vice-President, Corporate Development

Contact:  Erin Ostrom / Ralph Rushton
Symbol: TSXV-FCV
Shares Issued: 29.3-million

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement
Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Focus Ventures Ltd.  Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statement.

SOURCE Focus Ventures Ltd.