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): December 17, 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 the formation of a joint
venture between McMoRan and K1 USA Energy Production Corporation
(Exhibit 99.1) and updates its Gulf of Mexico drilling activities
(Exhibit 99.2).
SIGNATURE
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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.
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C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.
Vice President & Controller -
Financial Reporting
(authorized signatory and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: December 19, 2002
McMoRan Exploration Co.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number
- -------
99.1 Press Release dated December 17, 2002 "McMoRan Exploration
And K1 USA Energy Production Complete The Formation of K-Mc
Venture I".
99.2 Press Release dated December 18, 2002 "McMoRan Exploration
Co. Updates Gulf of Mexico Drilling Activities At JB
Mountain, Lighthouse Point and Cyprus Prospects".