Exhibit 23.2


            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEER

     As independent petroleum engineers, we hereby consent to the
use  of our name included in this Form 8-K by McMoRan Exploration
Co. and to the reference to our estimates of reserves and present
value  of  future  net  revenues as of December  31,  2000,  into
McMoRan   Exploration   Co.'s   previously   filed   Registration
Statements on Form S-3 (File No. 333-95195) and on Form S-8 (File
Nos. 333-67485 and 333-67963).




                                /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.


Houston, Texas
February 7, 2001