Exhibit 23.1



                Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the
caption "Independent Accountants" in Amendment No. 3 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-79563) and related
Prospectus of Reynolds Metals Company for the registration
of $150 million of debt securities, and to the incorporation
by reference therein of our report dated February 19, 1999,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Reynolds Metals Company included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K, as amended) for the year ended December
31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Richmond, Virginia
January 17, 2000