April 20, 1999



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, 33-45787, 33-52503, 33-63376, and 333-02699) its Form 10-Q for 
the quarter ended March 31, 1999, which includes our report dated April 
20, 1999 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