EXHIBIT 23.3





                    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 September 11, 2000
included in the U.S.  Energy Corp.'s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31,
2000 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                                 /s/   Arthur Andersen LLP

Denver, Colorado,
  November 15, 2001



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