SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                     Washington, D.C.  20549



                            FORM 8-K

                         CURRENT REPORT

             Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

                 Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  April 01, 2002



                     McMoRan Exploration Co.


     Delaware               001-07791           72-1424200
 (State or other           (Commission         (IRS Employer
 jurisdiction of           File Number)       Identification
 incorporation or                                 Number)
   organization)

                       1615 Poydras Street
                  New Orleans, Louisiana  70112

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(504) 582-4000

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosures

McMoRan Exploration Co. announces completion of agreements which will
result in its exit from the sulphur business (Exhibit 99.1).



                            SIGNATURE
                       ------------------

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                              McMoRan Exploration Co.


                              By:  /s/ C. Donald Whitmire Jr.
                                   ------------------------------
                                       C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.
                                  Vice President & Controller -
                                        Financial Reporting
                                    (authorized signatory and
                                    Principal Accounting Officer)


Date:  April 1, 2002



                     McMoRan Exploration Co.
                          Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

99.1 Press release dated April 1, 2002 "McMoRan Exploration Co.
     Completes Agreements to Exit Sulphur Business"