Freeport-McMoRan
FCX
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Freeport-McMoRan - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 1996

Commission File Number: 1-9916

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

Incorporated in Delaware 74-2480931
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1615 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (504)582-4000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes X No
---

On September 30, 1996, there were issued and outstanding 75,338,577
shares of the registrant's Class A Common Stock, par value $0.10 per
share, and 117,909,228 shares of its Class B Common Stock, par value
$0.10 per share.
1

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page

Part I. Financial Information

Financial Statements:

Condensed Balance Sheets 3

Statements of Income 4

Statements of Cash Flow 5

Notes to Financial Statements 6

Remarks 6

Report of Independent Public Accountants 7

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations 8

Part II. Other Information 14

Signature 15

Exhibit Index E-1
2

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.
<TABLE>
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1996 1995
---------- ----------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and short-term investments $ 49,031 $ 26,883
Accounts receivable 235,734 256,121
Inventories 408,609 354,728
Prepaid expenses and other 19,588 15,542
---------- ----------
Total current assets 712,962 653,274
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,965,406 2,845,625
Other assets 104,042 82,847
---------- ----------
Total assets $3,782,410 $3,581,746
========== ==========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 314,461 $ 351,485
Current portion of long-term debt and
short-term borrowings 107,916 86,943
Accrued income taxes 64,777 88,357
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 487,154 526,785
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,493,390 1,080,289
Accrued postretirement benefits and
other liabilities 157,337 186,342
Unearned income 67,162 -
Deferred income taxes 335,271 305,490
Minority interests 97,169 101,159
Mandatory redeemable preferred stock 500,007 500,007
Stockholders' equity 644,920 881,674
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity $3,782,410 $3,581,746
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
3

<TABLE>
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
------------------------ ------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 474,664 $ 469,812 $1,287,404 $1,300,087
Cost of sales:
Production and delivery 230,646 216,392 674,374 663,752
Depreciation and
amortization 45,228 33,888 123,804 83,996
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total cost of sales 275,874 250,280 798,178 747,748
Exploration expenses - (5,722) - 13,888
General and administrative
expenses 28,468 53,659 101,734 113,587
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs and
expenses 304,342 298,217 899,912 875,223
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 170,322 171,595 387,492 424,864
Interest expense, net (28,566) (18,836) (81,641) (31,287)
Other income (expense),
net (1,894) (2,761) 1,978 (4,399)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes
and minority interests 139,862 149,998 307,829 389,178
Provision for income
taxes (65,297) (63,041) (140,651) (164,964)
Minority interests in net
income of consolidated
subsidiaries (14,926) (12,809) (28,732) (38,486)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income 59,639 74,148 138,446 185,728
Preferred dividends (13,513) (13,615) (40,825) (40,577)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income applicable to
common stock $ 46,126 $ 60,533 $ 97,621 $ 145,151
========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income per primary
and fully diluted share
of common stock $.24 $.30 $.50 $.71
========== ========== ========== ==========
Average common shares
outstanding 195,611 204,058 197,050 205,056
========== ========== ========== ==========
Dividends paid per
common share $.225 $.15 $.675 $.45
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
4

<TABLE>
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
----------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
(In Thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income $ 138,446 $ 185,728
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 123,804 83,996
Deferred income taxes 29,781 36,514
Recognition of unearned income (30,011) (36,207)
Deferral of unearned income 97,173 -
Minority interests' share of net income 28,732 38,486
Other (18,490) 22,378
(Increase) decrease in working capital:
Accounts receivable 9,329 18,383
Inventories (35,826) (74,178)
Prepaid expenses and other (2,485) (9,327)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 9,643 (70,370)
Accrued income taxes (25,143) 54,020
---------- ----------
Decrease in working capital (44,482) (81,472)
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 324,953 249,423
---------- ----------

Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
PT-FI (235,675) (361,378)
Atlantic Copper (49,014) (124,756)
Investment in Freeport Copper Company - (25,000)
Investment in Gresik smelter and other (28,740) (2,168)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (313,429) (513,302)
---------- ----------

Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt 581,816 470,367
Repayment of debt (149,849) (205,017)
Net proceeds from infrastructure financing - 228,899
Purchase of FCX common shares (220,997) (84,717)
Cash dividends paid:
Common stock (132,284) (92,163)
Preferred stock (38,147) (37,876)
Minority interests (32,722) (27,228)
Other 2,807 838
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 10,624 253,103
---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
short-term investments 22,148 (10,776)
Cash and short-term investments at
beginning of year 26,883 44,252
---------- ----------
Cash and short-term investments at
end of period $ 49,031 $ 33,476
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
5

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. JOINT VENTURES
In October 1996, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) and The
RTZ-CRA Group (RTZ-CRA) signed definitive documentation for
exploration and expansion joint venture arrangements. See Note 2 to
the 1995 FCX Annual Report to stockholders for a discussion of these
arrangements. As a result, RTZ-CRA paid FCX and P.T. Freeport
Indonesia Company (PT-FI), FCX's Indonesian mining subsidiary, $184
million for exploration and expansion capital expenditures under the
joint venture arrangements. The funds were used to reduce FCX and PT-
FI bank debt.

With the completion of definitive documentation, RTZ-CRA has (1)
fully funded its $100 million exploration commitment, (2) reimbursed
PT-FI for expansion capital expenditures previously incurred, (3)
begun funding future expansion costs pursuant to the agreement, and
(4) become a 40 percent joint venture partner in PT-FI's current
expansion project above its existing operations and, if RTZ-CRA elects
to participate, in FCX's future development projects in Indonesia.

2. CREDIT FACILITIES
In July 1996, the FCX and PT-FI credit facilities were amended to
increase the availability under the FCX/PT-FI facility by $250 million
to a combined total of $1 billion, lower the interest rates and
release the collateral securing FCX's borrowing and FCX's guaranty.
Consequently, PT-FI retains its $550 million facility ($250 million
of additional borrowings available at October 21, 1996) and FCX and
PT-FI now have a separate $450 million facility ($243 million of
additional borrowings available at October 21, 1996). All other
significant terms of the facilities were unaffected.

3. INTEREST COSTS
Interest expense excludes capitalized interest of $6.9 million and
$10.2 million in the third quarters of 1996 and 1995, respectively,
and $22.1 million and $39.2 million in the first nine months of 1996
and 1995, respectively.

4. RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the first nine months of
1996 and 1995 was 3.7 to 1 and 5.8 to 1, respectively. For this
calculation, earnings consist of income from continuing operations
before income taxes, minority interests and fixed charges. Fixed
charges include interest and that portion of rent deemed
representative of interest.

5. RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
1996 presentation.

----------------------

Remarks

The information furnished herein should be read in conjunction with
FCX's financial statements contained in its 1995 Annual Report to
stockholders and incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on
Form 10-K.

The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments which are,
in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the periods. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of
management, of a normal recurring nature.
6

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed balance sheet of
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (a Delaware corporation) as of
September 30, 1996, the related statements of income for the three and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 and the related
statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September
30, 1996 and 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review
of interim financial information consists principally of applying
analytical procedures to the financial data and making inquiries of
persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is
substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression
of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material
modifications that should be made to the financial statements referred
to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the balance sheet of Freeport-McMoRan Copper &
Gold Inc. as of December 31, 1995, and the related statements of
income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended
(not presented herein), and in our report dated January 23, 1996, we
expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In
our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed
balance sheet as of December 31, 1995, is fairly stated, in all
material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has
been derived.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana
October 22, 1996
7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.

OVERVIEW
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) operates through its
majority-owned subsidiaries P.T. Freeport Indonesia Company (PT-FI)
and P.T. IRJA Eastern Minerals Corporation (Eastern Mining) and
through Atlantic Copper Holding, S.A. (Atlantic), a wholly owned
subsidiary. PT-FI's operations involve mineral exploration and
development, mining and milling of ore containing copper, gold and
silver in Irian Jaya, Indonesia and the marketing of concentrates
containing these metals worldwide. PT-FI also has a 25 percent
interest in a joint venture to construct and operate a copper smelter
and refinery in Indonesia. Eastern Mining conducts mineral exploration
activities in Irian Jaya. Atlantic, formerly Rio Tinto Minera, S.A.,
is engaged in the smelting and refining of copper concentrates in
Spain.

Summary comparative results for the third-quarter and nine-month
periods follow (in millions, except per share amounts):

Third Quarter Nine Months
------------------------ ------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues $ 474.7 $ 469.8 $ 1,287.4 $ 1,300.1
Operating income 170.3 171.6a,b 387.5c 424.9b,d
Net income applicable
to common stock 46.1 60.5a,b 97.6c 145.2b,d
Net income per
common share 0.24 0.30a,b 0.50c 0.71b,d
Operating income (loss) by subsidiary:
PT-FI $ 175.1 $ 183.9 $ 393.2 $ 460.2
Atlantic 2.4 (5.6) 2.7 (14.6)
Eastern Mining - 2.2 - (3.9)
Intercompany
eliminations
and other e (7.2) (8.9) (8.4) (16.8)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 170.3 $ 171.6 $ 387.5 $ 424.9
========== ========== ========== ==========

a. Includes a $6.0 million credit ($4.3 million to net income or
$0.02 per share) for exploration costs incurred in the second quarter
of 1995 and paid by The RTZ-CRA Group (RTZ-CRA).

b. Includes a $21.4 million noncash charge ($11.6 million to net
income or $0.06 per share) for costs of stock appreciation rights
caused by the increase in FCX's common stock price during the third
quarter of 1995.

c. Includes charges totaling $17.4 million ($8.0 million to net
income or $0.04 per share) consisting of $12.7 million for costs of
stock appreciation rights caused by the increase in FCX's common stock
price during the period, $3.0 million for costs related to a civil
disturbance (discussed below) and $1.7 million ($1.2 million to
production cost and $0.5 million to general and administrative
expenses) for an early retirement program.

d. Includes a $12.5 million charge ($6.8 million to net income or
$0.03 per share) for a materials and supplies inventory reserve
adjustment in connection with the completion of PT-FI's 118,000 metric
tons of ore per day (MTPD) expansion program.

e. Profit on PT-FI sales to Atlantic is not reflected in FCX's
consolidated results until completion of the smelting and refining
process. The increased level of PT-FI concentrate sales to Atlantic
resulting from the expanded smelter capacity causes fluctuations in
FCX's consolidated quarterly earnings because of the timing of the
shipments and prices.

FCX's revenues are derived primarily from the sale of copper
concentrates, which contain significant amounts of gold and also
silver by PT-FI, and the sale of copper anodes, cathodes and wire rod
by Atlantic. FCX's 1996 revenues reflect higher PT-FI sales volumes,
higher Atlantic revenues and significantly lower PT-FI copper
realizations compared with the 1995 periods. Cost of sales for 1996
was affected by higher sales volumes and depreciation, while the nine-
month 1995 period includes a materials and supplies inventory reserve
adjustment. Exploration expenses reflect the May 1995 agreement with
RTZ-CRA under which RTZ-CRA agreed to pay for certain exploration
costs in areas covered by the PT-FI and Eastern Mining Contracts of
Work (COWs). General and administrative expenses in the 1996 periods
were considerably lower than the comparable 1995 periods because of
the third-quarter 1995 expense for stock appreciation rights. Net
income applicable to common stock for the 1996 periods was also
reduced by higher interest expense. For the nine-month 1996 period,
the provision for income taxes and minority interests in net income
were lower primarily because of lower net income at PT-FI.
8

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PT-FI Financial Results. PT-FI's revenues for the third-quarter and
nine-month period of 1996 were below the comparable 1995 periods.
Higher sales volumes were offset by a decline in copper realizations
from $1.24 per pound in the 1995 quarter to $0.97 per pound in the
1996 quarter, and higher treatment charges of $0.22 per pound in the
1996 quarter compared to $0.19 per pound in the 1995 quarter.
Treatment charges increased because of higher rates negotiated with
customers based on market conditions. Despite higher sales volumes,
royalties were lower because of lower copper prices.

PT-FI's revenues include net additions totaling $21.9 million
for the 1996 quarter and $21.8 million for the 1996 nine-month period,
compared with net reductions totaling $23.7 million for the 1995
quarter and $55.4 million for the 1995 nine-month period, recognized
under PT-FI's copper price protection program. Third-quarter 1996
revenues include upward adjustments of $1.7 million on open copper
sales from June 30, 1996, while nine-month 1996 revenues include
$8.1 million of net downward adjustments on open copper sales. A
reconciliation of PT-FI revenues between the periods follows (in
millions):

Third Quarter Nine Months
------------ -----------
Revenues -1995 $ 382.6 $ 1,016.5
Increases (decreases):
Sales volumes:
Copper 33.7 133.1
Gold 30.3 105.1
Price realizations:
Copper (77.9) (232.3)
Gold 6.8 12.6
Prior period adjustments 2.9 (4.7)
Treatment charges, royalties and other (2.4) (39.1)
---------- ----------
Revenues -1996 $ 376.0 $ 991.2
========== ==========

A March 1996 civil disturbance, in which Irianese tribes people
engaged in acts of vandalism to PT-FI property, resulted in an
approximate three-day closure of the mine and mill as a precautionary
measure. Full production was promptly restored after the Government of
Indonesia (GOI) increased its military presence in the area.
Concentrate shipments to customers were not interrupted. There have
been no further disruptions since the March 1996 event. PT-FI and the
GOI have launched a comprehensive economic and social development plan
for the area around PT-FI's operations in a series of open meetings
with the local indigenous leaders. The plan, which represents the
culmination of many months of effort including extensive interviews
with local indigenous people, had actually been completed several days
prior to the civil disturbance. PT-FI has dedicated one percent of
its revenues over the next ten years to fund the plan which will
include establishing a job skill and vocational training center and
the continued enhancement of direct benefits to those tribes whose
original tribal lands have been impacted by PT-FI's operations. FCX
believes that its historical commitment to the area, improved dialogue
with the indigenous population, coordinated development activities
with the GOI and the local people and increased military presence
should serve to avoid future disruptions of mine and mill operations.
9

PT-FI Operating Results.
Third Quarter Nine Months
------------------------ ----------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- --------
Ore milled (MTPD) 127,500 122,200 127,100 106,900
Copper grade (%) 1.37 1.32 1.31 1.31
Gold grade (grams per
metric ton) 1.52 1.28 1.45 1.32
Recovery rate (%)
Copper 83.3 86.8 83.5 85.1
Gold 77.1 78.1 75.7 74.7
Copper (000s of recoverable pounds)
Production 284,700 274,300 812,200 694,400
Sales 285,300 258,200 779,500 673,800
Average realized price a $.97 $1.24 $.96 $1.26
Gold (recoverable ounces)
Production 427,000 348,500 1,181,100 893,800
Sales 418,000 338,700 1,155,100 879,200
Average realized price $398.60 $382.27 $391.55 $380.67

Gross profit per pound of copper (cents):
Average realized price a 96.9 124.3 96.1 125.9
----- ----- ----- -----
Production costs:
Site production and
delivery 49.4 48.7 52.6b 55.0c
Gold and silver credits (59.2) (51.4) (58.6) (50.7)
Treatment charges 21.8 19.3 22.2 19.5
Royalty on metals 1.5 4.4 3.0 4.3
----- ------- ----- -------
Cash production costs 13.5 21.0 19.2 28.1
Depreciation and amortization 13.0 11.0 13.0 10.2
---- ------ ---- ------
Total production costs 26.5 32.0 32.2 38.3
---- ------ ---- ------
Revenue adjustments d (1.0) (3.8) (2.4) (1.9)
----- ------- ----- -------
Gross profit per pound
of copper 69.4 88.5 61.5 85.7
==== ====== ==== ======

a. Amounts were $0.88 for the 1996 quarter, $1.32 for the 1995
quarter, $0.92 for the 1996 nine-month period and $1.33 for the 1995
nine-month period before hedging adjustments.

b. Includes $4.2 million (0.5 cents per pound) for costs related to
the civil disturbance and an early retirement program.

c. Excludes the $12.5 million (1.9 cents per pound) materials and
supplies inventory reserve adjustment discussed earlier .

d. Reflects adjustments for prior period concentrate sales and
amortization of the copper price protection program cost.

Average mill throughput in the third quarter of 1996 was 4
percent higher than the 1995 third quarter. Cash production costs per
pound of copper for the third-quarter and nine-month periods of 1996
were considerably lower than the comparable 1995 periods. Higher gold
sales and realizations and higher gold and silver credits have
resulted in lower unit cash production costs. The higher treatment
charges reflect market conditions. Treatment charge rates for a
significant portion of PT-FI's 1997 projected sales will be negotiated
in the fourth quarter of 1996 based on current market conditions. As
a result of a tight smelter market, treatment charges are expected to
increase. Higher treatment charges, which negatively affect PT-FI,
benefit Atlantic. With completion of Atlantic's expansion, the effect
of an equivalent change in treatment charges on PT-FI and Atlantic
would now largely offset in FCX's consolidated financial results,
after taking into account income tax and minority interests. PT-FI's
copper royalty rate varies from 1.5 percent, at a copper price of
$0.90 or less, to 3.5 percent, at a copper price over $1.10, on copper
net revenue (after freight costs, other selling costs and treatment
charges); the gold and silver royalty rate is 1.0 percent.

PT-FI's 1996 depreciation rate of 13.0 cents per pound of copper
reflects depreciation for the expanded operations and the first phase
of an enhanced infrastructure program (EIP). The EIP is designed to
provide the infrastructure needed for PT-FI's current and anticipated
expanded future operations, to enhance the living conditions of PT-
FI's employees, and to develop and promote the growth of local and
third party activities and enterprises in Irian Jaya. The third-
quarter 1995 rate of 11.0 cents per pound did not include the EIP
costs.
10

PT-FI Outlook and Price Protection Program. PT-FI has commitments
from various parties, including Atlantic, to purchase virtually all of
its expected fourth-quarter 1996 production and 1997 production at
market prices. Sales for 1996 are estimated to total approximately
1.1 billion pounds of copper and 1.65 million ounces of gold. Strong
fourth-quarter 1996 estimated copper and gold sales reflect the
expectation of mining ore with higher than mine-life average grades.

The significant decline in copper prices during 1996 increased
the value of PT-FI's put option contracts which PT-FI had purchased
under its price protection program to provide a floor price of $0.90
per pound for essentially all copper sales through the second quarter
of 1997. During the third quarter, PT-FI sold all of its put option
contracts covering approximately 1.2 billion pounds of copper for
$97.2 million cash. As a result, PT-FI will report future copper
revenues through June 30, 1997 at a higher price than realized under
its copper concentrate sales contracts, but PT-FI no longer has a
floor price on any of its copper sales. Through September 30, 1996,
PT-FI recognized $30.0 million of additional copper revenues from the
sale of its put option contracts. PT-FI will recognize additional
copper revenues from the sale of put option contracts in the following
amounts: $21.1 million in the fourth quarter of 1996, $23.0 million in
the first quarter of 1997 and $23.1 million in the second quarter of
1997.

PT-FI's concentrate sales agreements, with regard to copper,
provide for provisional billings at the time of shipment with final
settlement generally based on the average London Metals Exchange price
for a specified future month. Copper revenues on provisionally priced
"open" pounds are adjusted monthly based on then current prices. At
September 30, 1996, copper sales totaling 316.5 million pounds, which
were recorded at an average price of $0.88 per pound, remained to be
finally priced. Approximately 80 percent of these "open" pounds are
expected to be finally priced during the fourth quarter of 1996 with
the remaining pounds to be priced during the first quarter of 1997.

Exploration Activities. In September 1996, FCX announced that
drilling activities at the Kucing Liar prospect within the "Golden
Triangle" at PT-FI's Ertsberg-Grasberg District have moved from the
exploration phase to the delineation phase. Results to date confirm
the continuity of extensive skarn-type copper/gold mineralization
between drill holes. Underground drill sites are 50 to 135 meters
apart allowing multiple holes, known as fans, to be drilled from each
site across a portion of the 1.5 kilometer long Kucing Liar
mineraliized zone which, based on current information, could represent
a 250 million metric ton geologic resource at an average grade of
greater than two percent copper equivalent. This high grade
underground mineralization, in close proximity to the mill, could have
a significant positive impact on the grade of the ore feed to and the
economics of PT-FI's "fourth concentrator mill expansion." Geological
mapping, sampling, geophysical surveying and drilling continued at the
Wabu prospect as well as other targets within PT-FI's Block B area.
Geologic work including drilling and geophysical surveying continued
at Etna Bay in Block I and Block II. Reconnaissance mapping and
sampling is scheduled to take place in Block III during the fourth
quarter. No assurance can be given that any of these new areas
contain commercially exploitable mineral deposits.

Atlantic Results.
Third Quarter Nine Months
------------------------ ---------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Revenues (in millions) $200.1 $121.2 $569.1 $372.6
Concentrate treated
(metric tons) 220,900 117,100 586,400 291,400
Anode production
(000s of pounds) 152,400 76,700 397,000 199,800
Cathode production
(000s of pounds) 121,700 70,800 343,400 201,300

Atlantic completed the expansion of its smelter from 150,000 to
270,000 metric tons of metal per year, reaching its full production
capacity in June 1996. Atlantic reported higher revenues and cost of
sales in the 1996 periods than the comparable 1995 periods because of
increases in production from its newly expanded facilities.
Additionally, shutdowns in the 1995 third quarter caused by a strike
at an adjacent plant and for approximately half of the 1995 second
quarter to tie-in expansion equipment and to perform maintenance
turnarounds impacted 1995 results. Atlantic's third-quarter 1996
operating income totaled $2.4 million compared to a $5.6 million
operating loss in the 1995 period. Atlantic is benefiting from higher
volumes plus higher treatment and refining rates, $0.23 per pound in
the third quarter of 1996 compared with $0.22 per pound in the third
quarter of 1995.
11

A portion of Atlantic's operating costs are paid with Spanish
pesetas and certain assets and liabilities are denominated in Spanish
pesetas. On an annual basis, a one peseta change in the U.S. dollar
and Spanish peseta exchange rate results in an approximate $2 million
change in FCX's annual net income before any hedging effects. Third-
quarter and nine-month 1996 other income includes currency
translation gains on Atlantic's net peseta liability position totaling
$0.6 million and $8.2 million, respectively. Atlantic implemented a
currency hedging program to reduce its operating cost exposure to
changes in the U.S. dollar and Spanish peseta exchange rate. The
program involves foreign currency contracts which provide hedges for
approximately 80 percent of Atlantic's net peseta operating cost
exposure through December 1997.

Other Financial Results. FCX reported a $5.7 million credit for
exploration costs in the third-quarter of 1995 after reversing costs
charged to expense in May and June 1995 that were reimbursed by RTZ-
CRA. The FCX/RTZ-CRA joint venture incurred $9.8 million of
exploration costs in the third quarter of 1996 as it aggressively
explores its COW areas. These costs are not reflected as an expense
in FCX's income statement because RTZ-CRA has funded $100 million for
exploration costs beginning May 1995. Exploration costs in excess of
RTZ-CRA's $100 million commitment, will be shared 60 percent by FCX
and 40 percent by RTZ-CRA. Through September 1996, the joint venture
had incurred $59.4 million of exploration costs covered by the RTZ-CRA
funding.

FCX's general and administrative expenses were $28.5 million for
the third quarter of 1996 compared with $53.7 million in the 1995
period when FCX recorded a $21.4 million charge for costs of stock
appreciation rights. Nine-month 1996 general and administrative
expenses include charges of $12.7 million for costs of stock
appreciation rights caused by the increase in FCX's common stock
price.

FCX's total interest cost (before capitalization) rose to $103.8
million for the nine-month 1996 period from $70.5 million in the 1995
period because of an increase in debt levels associated with the
expansions and the FCX share purchase program. Because of the
significant expansion projects at PT-FI and Atlantic, approximately 55
percent of interest costs were capitalized during the first nine-
months of 1995. Only 21 percent of 1996 interest costs were
capitalized because of completion of the expansions.

FCX's effective tax rate was 46 percent for the first nine months of
1996 and 42 percent for the first nine months of 1995. PT-FI's COW
provides a 35 percent income tax rate and a 15 percent withholding on
dividends paid to FCX by PT-FI and on interest for debt incurred after
the signing of the COW. The 15 percent withholding is expected to
decline to 10 percent beginning in 1997 because of a new United
States/Indonesia tax treaty. No income tax benefit is recorded for
the losses at Atlantic, which is subject to taxation in Spain, because
it has not generated taxable income in recent years.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
FCX's primary sources of cash inflows are operating cash flows and
borrowings while its primary cash outflows include capital
expenditures, dividends and stock purchases. Net cash provided by
operating activities was $325.0 million for the first nine months of
1996, compared with $249.4 million for the 1995 period. Cash flow used
in investing activities reflects a decrease in PT-FI capital
expenditures associated with the completion of the 118,000 MTPD
expansion in 1995. Atlantic expenditures reflect completion of the
smelter expansion. Cash flow provided by financing activities totaled
$10.6 million in 1996 compared with $253.1 million in 1995. Stock
purchases and dividends increased in 1996.

Operating Activities. Lower copper realizations offset the benefits
of higher sales volumes and resulted in lower net income in the 1996
period. The increase in depreciation and amortization primarily
reflects the higher rate for the completed PT-FI expansion and first
phase of the EIP. FCX recorded $97.2 million of unearned income for
the proceeds realized on the sale of copper put option contracts in
1996 and recognized $30.0 million as income through September 30,
1996. Lower accounts receivable reflect the decline in copper
realizations partially offset by $80.7 million recorded for
exploration costs incurred since May 1995 and expansion costs which
RTZ-CRA reimbursed in October 1996. Inventories have increased
primarily because of materials purchased for the "fourth concentrator
mill expansion." The decrease in accrued income taxes reflects the
March 1996 payment on PT-FI's 1995 income tax liability and a smaller
tax liability in 1996.
12

Investing Activities. FCX's capital expenditures have declined from
$486.1 million in 1995 to $284.7 million in the 1996 period because
of the completion of PT-FI's 118,000 MTPD expansion during the second
quarter of 1995, the completion of Atlantic's smelter expansion during
1996 and the completion of the first phase of PT-FI's EIP during 1996.
FCX's cash expenditures for capital in 1996 include approximately $60
million for costs incurred in 1995.

PT-FI's fourth-quarter 1996 capital expenditures (other than for the
"fourth concentrator mill expansion" discussed below), representing
primarily mine and mill sustaining capital, will be funded by
operating cash flow, FCX's and PT-FI's bank credit facilities ($493
million available at October 21, 1996) and other financing sources. As
previously announced, FCX and RTZ-CRA have established the economic
justification for a further expansion of PT-FI's facilities, subject
to certain approvals. Engineering activities have begun on the
expansion of PT-FI's Indonesian operations which are currently
producing at a throughput rate of approximately 125,000 MTPD. The
optimum rate following this "fourth concentrator mill expansion" is
expected to be at least 190,000 to 200,000 MTPD and completion is
expected in the second half of 1998. Costs for this expansion to
achieve optimum throughput rates are expected to approximate $960
million, including approximately $300 million to construct a coal-
fired power plant and related facilities. The new power plant
facilities will not only provide the required power for the expanded
operations but also improve the profitability of existing operations
which currently use power generated by higher cost diesel fueled
facilities. Pursuant to the joint venture arrangements, RTZ-CRA has
agreed to provide up to $750 million for the expansion.

Construction began in July 1996 on PT-FI's 25 percent-owned, 200,000
metric tons of metal per year copper smelter/refinery complex in
Gresik, Indonesia. The estimated aggregate project cost, before
working capital requirements, is approximately $600 million. The
project will be financed with a $300 million non-recourse term loan
and a $110 million working capital facility from a group of commercial
banks. The remaining funding will be made pro-rata by PT-FI (25
percent) and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (75 percent). PT-FI
expects its 1996 cash investment in the smelter to total approximately
$39 million, including approximately $11 million in the fourth quarter
of 1996. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-1998 with
full production capacity reached during the second half of 1998. Upon
completion of the Gresik smelter and the PT-FI "fourth concentrator
mill expansion," FCX anticipates that approximately 50 percent of PT-
FI's annual concentrate production will be sold to Atlantic and the
Gresik smelter at market prices.

Atlantic received $29.5 million of grants from the Spanish government
in the first nine months of 1996 for a total of $45.3 million through
September 30, 1996. Atlantic expects to receive additional grants
totaling more than $8 million in 1997. These grants are recorded as a
reduction of capital expenditures and are contingent on Atlantic
satisfying certain conditions.

Financing Activities. Net proceeds from debt totaled $432.0 million
in the first nine months of 1996 while the 1995 period included $265.4
million of net proceeds from debt and $228.9 million of proceeds from
infrastructure financing. In 1995, FCX announced an open market share
purchase program for up to a total of 20 million shares of its Class A
and Class B common shares representing approximately 10 percent of its
shares outstanding. During the first nine months of 1996, FCX acquired
7.6 million of its shares for $221.0 million (an average of $29.25 per
share). From inception of this program through September 30, 1996,
FCX has purchased a total of 11.9 million shares for $328.3 million
(an average of $27.64 per share). The timing of purchases is
dependent upon many factors, including the price of common shares, the
Company's business and financial position, and general economic and
market conditions. During the nine-month 1995 period, FCX acquired 3.9
million of its shares for $84.7 million (an average of $21.48 per
share). The increase in cash dividends paid on common stock results
from the fourth-quarter 1995 increase in the regular quarterly
dividend from $0.15 to $0.225 per share.

Political Risk Insurance. In September 1996, FCX notified the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and certain other
issuers that it has elected to terminate all of its political risk
insurance. FCX's termination of the insurance policies, which were
acquired in 1990 and 1991, was a business decision made after a review
of the relative costs and benefits of the insurance to FCX and its
stockholders. Based on that review, FCX concluded that the potential
benefits of such insurance, which provided a relatively small amount
of coverage in relation to the value of FCX's Indonesian assets, no
longer justify the cost in view of the maturity of FCX's mining
project in Indonesia, the GOI's support of the project, and the GOI's
record of economic stability and growth over the last thirty years.

----------------------

The results of operations reported and summarized above are not
necessarily indicative of future operating results.
13


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index
appearing on Page E-1 hereof.

(b) During the quarter for which this report is filed, the
registrant filed three Current Reports on Form 8-K, dated September
18, 1996, September 11, 1996 and August 16, 1996, reporting
information under Item 5.
14



SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.



By: /s/ Michael A. Weaver
-------------------------------
Michael A. Weaver
Controller-Financial Reporting
(authorized signatory and
Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: November 7, 1996
15


EXHIBIT INDEX
Sequentially
Numbered
Number Description Page
- -------- ----------- -----------


4.1 Amendment dated as of July 15, 1996 to the Credit Agreement
dated as of June 30, 1995 among Freeport-McMoRan Copper &
Gold Inc. ("FCX"), P.T. Freeport Indonesia Company ("PT-
FI"), the several financial institutions party thereto,
Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
Association) ("Chase") , as agents, and First Trust of New
York, National Association ("First Trust"), as trustee and
security agent.

4.2 Amendment dated as of July 15, 1996 to the Credit Agreement
dated as of October 27, 1989, among FCX, PT-FI, the several
financial institutions party thereto, Chemical Bank and
Chase, as agents, and First Trust, as trustee and security
agent.

11.1 Computation of Net Income per Common and Common Equivalent
Share

27.1 Financial Data Schedule
E-1