Exhibit 23 (b)



               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under Item 3 in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 filed May 3, 2000) and under the caption "Independent
Accountants" in the related Prospectuses, pertaining to the Reynolds Metals
Company Savings and Investment Plan for Salaried Employees, Reynolds Metals
Company Savings Plan for Hourly Employees, and Employees Savings Plan and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated June 18, 1999, with
respect to the financial statements and schedules of the:

 .  Reynolds Metals Company Savings and Investment Plan for Salaried Employees
   included in its Annual Report (Form 11-K),

 .  Reynolds Metals Company Savings Plan for Hourly Employees included in its
   Annual Report (Form 11-K), and

 .  Employee Savings Plan included in its Annual Report (Form 11-K),

for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Richmond, Virginia
May 3, 2000