<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from McMoRan
Exploration Co.'s financial statements at September 30, 2000 and the nine months
then ended, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such statments.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000064279
<NAME> MCMORAN EXPLORATION CO.
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 37,867
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 6,366
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 628
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 55,340
<PP&E> 166,974
<DEPRECIATION> 54,773
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 254,066
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 108,328
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 181
<OTHER-SE> 61,326
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 254,066
<SALES> 46,963
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 46,963
<CGS> 34,118
<TOTAL-COSTS> 34,118
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 43,346
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,802
<INCOME-PRETAX> 3,357
<INCOME-TAX> 34,942
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (31,585)
<DISCONTINUED> (97,364)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (128,949)
<EPS-BASIC> (8.92)
<EPS-DILUTED> (8.92)
</TABLE>