Exhibit 15.1


May 7, 2001



Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
1615 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA  70112


Gentlemen:

We  are  aware  that  Freeport-McMoRan Copper  &  Gold  Inc.  has
incorporated  by  reference in its Registration Statements  (File
Nos.  33-63271, 33-63269, 33-63267, 333-85803 and 333-31584)  its
Form  10-Q  for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, which  includes
our  report  dated April 18, 2001 covering the unaudited  interim
financial  information contained therein.  Pursuant to Regulation
C  of  the Securities Act of 1933 (the Act), this report  is  not
considered  a  part  of the registration statements  prepared  or
certified  by our firm or a report prepared or certified  by  our
firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.


Very truly yours,


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP