Announces a Reduction in its Estimate of Recoverable Copper Contained in Leach Pad Inventories and a

Toronto and Phoenix, AZ - January 22, 2009 - Frontera Copper Corporation (FCC:TSX, FCC.NT:TSX, FCC.NT.A:TSX) today announced that as a result of slower than expected rates of copper recoveries, management engaged an independent consultant (Mr. Mark Vancas, a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101) to conduct a review of recovery rates for ores placed on the leach pads prior to the end of the second quarter of 2008. Conclusions drawn from this review, which were based upon actual operating results to date, suggest that the 37.4 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 0.34%, which were primarily mined from the western zone (described below) prior to the end of the second quarter of 2008, may achieve an ultimate recovery of 52.5%, compared to the previous estimate of 62.5% to 61.9%.

As previously reported, the Piedras Verdes ore body consists of a western zone and an eastern zone, which are separated by the Tepustete fault. Mining activities were predominantly in the western zone until the end of the second quarter of 2008, when mining was shifted primarily to the eastern zone to access material that requires less acid and exhibits better leach characteristics. The remaining western ores represent approximately 17% of the remaining life-of-mine ore reserves. The Company now expects that an average life-of-mine recovery rate of 60.1% will be achieved for all of the remaining ores to be mined at Piedras Verdes, based on the recovery estimates described in the Company's March 2008 Technical Report.

Given the lower ultimate recovery rate of 52.5% for the ores mined prior to the end of the second quarter of 2008, the copper inventory balance will be adjusted downward by 27.7 million pounds as at October 1, 2008. For accounting purposes, this adjustment is expected to be treated as a change in estimate and result in a non-cash increase in costs associated with sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 of approximately $2.0 million to $2.5 million (unaudited).

In addition, the significant decrease in copper prices to $1.40 per pound at year end 2008 is expected to result in a non-cash impairment of the carrying value of the current portion of copper inventory of approximately $9 million (unaudited). However, based upon a consensus average long-term copper price estimate of $1.90 per pound, no impairment is expected of the carrying value of the long-term portion of copper inventory (that portion of leach pad inventory expected to be recovered in periods exceeding one year).

Alan Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "It is important to note that these adjustments do not impact current cash flows, but rather represent adjustments in the rate at which previously-incurred mining costs are expensed for accounting purposes. The overall effect of this change does not result in a large percentage reduction in total copper recovery for the ore body, thereby preserving the long term value of the Piedras Verdes operation. For added certainty on the recovery issue, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors also intends to engage the services of an additional independent expert to issue an opinion on whether the conclusions drawn from this review were reasonable."

Copper production for the first quarter of 2009 is currently estimated at 6 million to 7 million pounds, with cash outflows ranging from 85 cents to 95 cents per pound of copper produced. When combined with the non-cash expense of previously-incurred and inventoried mining costs of approximately 40 cents per pound (reflecting the adjustments described above), total reported cash costs for the first quarter of 2009 are estimated at $1.25 to $1.35 per pound.

ABOUT FRONTERA COPPER CORPORATION

Frontera Copper is a Canadian mining, development and exploration company whose principal activity is the production of copper cathode from the Piedras Verdes run-of-mine heap-leach copper operation in Sonora, Mexico.

For further information, please see Frontera Copper's website at www.fronteracopper.com or contact:

Rodney Prokop
Vice President, Investor Relations
(602) 424-5483
ir@fronteracopper.com

Alan Edwards
President and Chief Executive Officer
(602) 424-5488

Information in this news release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Implicit in this information, particularly in respect of statements as to future operating results and economic performance of the Company, and resources and reserves at the Piedras Verdes operations, are assumptions regarding projected revenue and expense, copper prices and mining costs. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to general economic conditions and mining operations, and could differ materially from what is currently expected. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.