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                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.01


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

          We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statements of Alumax Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-83006, 33-83008, 33-83010,
33-86338, 333-26511 and 333-39079) of our report dated January 27, 1998, on our
audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Alumax Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.



                                                  COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Atlanta, Georgia
February 6, 1998