<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000831259
<NAME> FREEPORT-MCMORAN COPPER & GOLD INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
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<SALES>                                        388,392
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<CGS>                                          240,003
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .11
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