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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-8 registration
statement of Pioneer Natural Resources Company of our report dated July 26,
1996, on our audit of the financial statements of Greenhill Petroleum
Corporation as of June 30, 1996, and for the year ended.


                                         /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

                                             COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Houston, Texas
October 30, 1997