SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 10, 2000
McMoRan Exploration Co.
Delaware 001-07791 72-1424200
(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
incorporation or Number)
organization)
1615 Poydras Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (504) 582-4000
Item 5. Other Events.
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McMoRan Exploration Co. files the following information
associated with operations at the Brazos Block A-19 field.
Brazos Block A-19. In April 1998, the Brazos Block A-19 JC
#1 exploratory well encountered hydrocarbons in a separate
reservoir compartment within the larger Picaroon Field area,
at a depth of 17,500 feet. Development of the Brazos Block
A-19 JC#1 well was completed in the third quarter of 1999.
Production commenced in October 1999; however, during a
shutdown in November 1999 the operator detected a pressure
buildup in the production casing. After flowing the well on
an emergency basis, production was halted. Subsequently the
operator discovered the existence of significant damage to
the production tubing. Efforts to reestablish production
proved unsuccessful. The operator has temporarily abandoned
the well with a permanent abandonment planned at a future
date. A complete analysis of the failure continues. Prior
to the shut-in the well was producing approximately 84 MMcf
per day. The joint venture partners intend to drill another
well, and we currently estimate that the replacement well
will commence production by mid-2001. We will pursue our
rights for recovery of this loss from insurers and others.
Our reserve estimates for the field have not been affected.
The field is located 35 miles offshore Texas and covers
5,760 gross acres. We, along with our partners, have
acquired adjacent leases located at Brazos Blocks A-9 and A-26.
SIGNATURE
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
McMoRan Exploration Co.
By: /s/ C. Donald Whitmire
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C. Donald Whitmire
Vice President & Controller -
Financial Reporting
(authorized signatory and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: March 10, 2000
