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.
33-32174)  of our  report  dated June 9,  1998,  on our audits of the  financial
statements and financial  statement schedules of the Homestake 401(k) Retirement
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