Exhibit 23




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in (i)  Registration  Statement of
Homestake Mining Company (333-17357) and (ii) Post-Effective  Amendment No. 5 to
the  Registration  Statement of Homestake  Mining  Company on Form S-8 (File No.
2-90903)  of our  report  dated June 9,  1998,  on our  audits of the  financial
statements  and financial  statement  schedules of the Homestake  Mining Company
Savings Plan as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,  and for the year ended  December
31, 1997, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K.



/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L. P.
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COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


San Francisco, California
June 25, 1998