SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 17, 1998 FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC. Delaware 1-9916 74-2480931 (State or other (Commission (IRS Empoyer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification incorporation or Number) organization) 1615 Poydras Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (504) 582-4000 Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. Exhibit 99.1 contains portions of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s 1997 Annual Report to stockholders. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC. By: /s/ C. Donald Whitmire ------------------------------ C. Donald Whitmire Vice President and Controller - Financial Reporting (authorized signatory and Principal Accounting Officer) Date: March 17, 1998