Exhibit 23.1



       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We  consent  to  the  reference to our  firm  under  the  caption
"Experts" in Amendment No. 1 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  of  Reynolds Metals Company included  in  its  Annual
Report  (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,  1998,  filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Richmond, Virginia
July 13, 1999