Focus Commences Bayovar 12 PEA and Provides Update

VANCOUVER, CANADA--(Marketwired - Oct. 16, 2014) - Focus Ventures Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FCV) ("Focus") is pleased to provide an update on its Bayovar 12 Phosphate project, located in northern Peru. Focus recently announced the first resource estimate for Bayovar 12 and has selected 3 consulting engineering companies to undertake a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the project (see news release dated September 8, 2014).

Metallurgical Testwork

Bench scale metallurgical testwork by Jacobs Engineering in Lakeland, Florida has started on Bayovar 12 core samples. Jacobs have extensive experience in beneficiation studies on phosphate rock throughout the world and, in particular, from the Bayovar District of northern Peru. The work will include physical, mineralogical and metallurgical testing using material from 13 individual phosphate beds to determine the best method of processing and the quality of the resultant phosphate rock concentrate. The concentrate samples will then be used to establish its suitability to make phosphoric acid and granular fertilizer.

The study is being supervised by Mr. Glenn Gruber, an advisor to Focus, and a renowned expert in phosphate beneficiation. Preliminary results from the testwork are expected in early 2015.

Marketing

The Company is in discussion with several groups with knowledge of the agribusiness industry in India, Japan, South Korea, and China to facilitate introductions to fertilizer manufacturers across the region. The objective is to secure a strategic partner for the development of the project. The Company will be attending the International Fertilizer Association conference in Singapore at the end of October and the Fertilizer Outlook and Technology Conference in Savannah, GA, USA, in November.

Phase 2 Drilling

The Company is preparing for a Phase 2 drill program which will commence as soon as permits are received from the Peruvian authorities. The initial plan is for 40 new holes which will allow an updated resource calculation to be performed as part of the PEA. Company management believes that the second phase of drilling could lead to a substantial expansion of the initial resource and is working towards a new conceptual target of *300-400 Mt at between 12-15% P₂O₅.