CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 21, 1997 included in Freeport-McMoRan Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP New Orleans, Louisiana July 10, 1997