Exhibit 15.1

   July 20, 2000



   McMoRan Exploration Co.
   1615 Poydras St.
   New Orleans, LA 70112

   Gentlemen:

   We are aware that McMoRan Exploration Co. has incorporated  by
   reference  in  its  Registration Statements  (File  Nos.  333-
   67485, 333-67963 and 333-95195) its Form 10-Q for the  quarter
   ended  June 30, 2000, which  includes our report dated  July
   20, 2000 covering the unaudited interim financial  information
   contained   therein.    Pursuant  to   Regulation  C  of   the
   Securities  Act  of  1933  (the  Act),  this  report  is   not
   considered a  part of the registration statements prepared  or
   certified  by our firm  or a report  prepared or certified  by
   our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

   Very truly yours,


   /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP