PHELPS DODGE CORP
S-3/A, 2001-01-12
PRIMARY SMELTING & REFINING OF NONFERROUS METALS
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<PAGE>   1


    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 12, 2001



                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-43890

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                    FORM S-3


                                AMENDMENT NO. 1


                                       TO

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
                            PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                     NEW YORK                                           13-1808503
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION)           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)

             2600 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE                             S. DAVID COLTON, ESQ.
              PHOENIX, AZ 85004-3089                     SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                  (602) 234-8100                                 PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,              2600 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL                  PHOENIX, AZ 85004-3089
                EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                                    (602) 234-8100
                                                     (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
                                                                          NUMBER,
                                                        INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
</TABLE>

                               PD CAPITAL TRUST I
                              PD CAPITAL TRUST II
    (EXACT NAMES OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CERTIFICATES OF TRUST)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                     DELAWARE                                                51-6516595
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION)     (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO. OF PD CAPITAL TRUST I)

           C/O PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION                                      51-6516596
             2600 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE              (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO. OF PD CAPITAL TRUST II)
              PHOENIX, AZ 85004-3089
                  (602) 234-8100                                       S. DAVID COLTON, ESQ.
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,          SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANTS' PRINCIPAL                      PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
                EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                                   2600 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE
                                                                       PHOENIX, AZ 85004-3089
                                                                           (602) 234-8100
                                                     (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                                                             INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
</TABLE>

                                    COPY TO:

                             MICHAEL W. BLAIR, ESQ.
                              DEBEVOISE & PLIMPTON
                                875 THIRD AVENUE
                               NEW YORK, NY 10022
                                 (212) 909-6000

     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From
time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]

     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]

     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
                                                            ---------------

     If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
                           ---------------

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
<PAGE>   2

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                                                AMOUNT TO BE      AGGREGATE OFFERING       AMOUNT OF
    TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED         REGISTERED(1)           PRICE(2)         REGISTRATION FEE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Phelps Dodge Corporation Common Shares....................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Preferred Shares.................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Senior Debt Securities...........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Junior Subordinated Debt
  Securities..............................................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Share Purchase Contracts to
  purchase Common Shares of Phelps Dodge Corporation......
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Share Purchase Units, each
  representing ownership of a Share Purchase Contract and
  Senior Debt Securities, Junior Subordinated Debt
  Securities, Trust Preferred Securities or debt
  obligations of third parties............................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Warrants.........................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PD Capital Trust I Preferred Securities...................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PD Capital Trust II Preferred Securities..................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phelps Dodge Corporation Guarantees of PD Capital Trust I
  and PD Capital Trust II Preferred Securities(3).........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.....................................................      $750,000,000         $750,000,000         $198,000(4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1) An indeterminate number of common and preferred shares, share purchase
    contracts, share purchase units and warrants of Phelps Dodge Corporation,
    and an indeterminate principal amount of senior and junior subordinated debt
    securities of Phelps Dodge Corporation and an indeterminate number of
    preferred securities of PD Capital Trust I and PD Capital Trust II as may
    from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices, with an aggregate
    offering price not to exceed $750,000,000. Junior subordinated debt
    securities may be issued and sold to PD Capital Trust I and PD Capital Trust
    II, in which event the junior subordinated debt securities may later be
    distributed to the holders of preferred securities.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee, which
    is calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the rules and regulations
    under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 457(o) permits the registration fee
    to be calculated on the basis of the maximum offering price of all of the
    securities listed and, therefore, the table does not specify by each class
    information as to the amount to be registered, the proposed maximum offering
    price per unit or the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
(3) Includes the rights of holders of the preferred securities under the
    applicable guarantee of preferred securities, the obligations of Phelps
    Dodge Corporation under the applicable trust agreement of each of PD Capital
    Trust I and PD Capital Trust II and the obligations of Phelps Dodge
    Corporation under the indenture for the junior subordinated debt securities
    and any related supplemental indenture, all of which are described in this
    Registration Statement. No separate consideration will be received for any
    of such guarantee or obligations.
(4) Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, the amount of the
    registration fee of $198,000 for the securities registered pursuant to this
    Registration Statement is offset by $66,000 previously paid to the
    Commission relating to $250,000,000 principal amount of debt securities
    previously registered pursuant to Registration Statement on Form S-3 No.
    333-36415 and which remain unissued at the close of business on the date of
    this Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 429, the prospectus filed with
    this Registration Statement is a combined prospectus that relates to this
    Registration Statement, Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 333-36415,
    declared effective on October 14, 1997 and Registration Statement on Form
    S-3 No. 33-44380, declared effective on December 16, 1991. This Registration
    Statement also constitutes Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
    Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 333-36415 and Post-Effective
    Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 No. 33-44380 and
    hereby deregisters all remaining unissued securities registered pursuant to
    those registration statements. Such Amendments shall become effective
    concurrently with the effectiveness of this Registration Statement and in
    accordance with Section 8(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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

     THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   3

        THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY
        BE CHANGED. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
        STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS
        EFFECTIVE. THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL NOR DOES
        IT SEEK AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE
        OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

                                  $750,000,000

                        [PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION LOGO]

                                 COMMON SHARES
                                PREFERRED SHARES
                            SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS
                              SHARE PURCHASE UNITS
                                    WARRANTS
                             SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
                      JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

                               PD CAPITAL TRUST I
                              PD CAPITAL TRUST II
                              PREFERRED SECURITIES
                     GUARANTEED BY PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION

     - By this prospectus, we may offer from time to time up to $750,000,000 of
       any combination of the securities described in this prospectus.

     - We will provide you with the specific terms of the securities we are
       offering in supplements to this prospectus. A supplement may also change
       or update information contained in this prospectus.

     - You should read this prospectus, including the documents and other
       information we have referred to under the heading "Where You Can Find
       More Information," and the prospectus supplement relating to the specific
       issue of securities carefully before you invest.

     - We may only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied
       by a prospectus supplement.

     - Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
       commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined
       this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the
       contrary is a criminal offense.


               The date of this prospectus is             , 2001.

<PAGE>   4

                                CAUTIONARY NOTE

GENERAL

     You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus and in any supplement. "Incorporation by reference"
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. We have not authorized any other
person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with
different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We will not
make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or
sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this
prospectus and any supplement to this prospectus is current only as of the dates
on their covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects may have changed since that date.

     PD Capital Trust I and PD Capital Trust II, each of which is referred to in
this prospectus as a trust and which are collectively referred to as the trusts,
have no independent function other than to issue securities and to purchase
junior subordinated debt securities. This prospectus does not contain separate
financial statements for the trusts. Phelps Dodge Corporation files consolidated
financial information with the SEC that will include financial information
regarding the trusts.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents and
information incorporated by reference in them may contain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. We intend these
forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for
forward-looking statements. You should be aware that these statements only
reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements
involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may
differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our
actual results to be materially different from our expectations include those
discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in each prospectus supplement. In
some cases, you can identify these statements by our use of forward-looking
words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect,"
"plan," "believe," "predict," "potential" and "intend". The safe harbor
provisions for forward-looking statements only apply to companies that have
previously offered securities to the public. Because each trust's offer of the
preferred securities constitutes each trust's initial public offering of
securities, the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws do not
apply to the trusts. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.

                                        2
<PAGE>   5

                            PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION

     The Corporation, incorporated under the laws of New York in 1885, is the
world's second largest producer of copper, among the world's largest carbon
black and magnet wire producers, and is the world's largest producer of
continuous-cast copper rod. On October 16, 1999, we acquired Cyprus Amax
Minerals Company (Cyprus Amax or Cyprus) thereby enhancing our copper assets
with significant operations in the United States and South America. As a result
of the acquisition, we also became the world's leading producer of molybdenum
and molybdenum products.

     The Corporation comprises two divisions: (i) Phelps Dodge Mining Company
and (ii) Phelps Dodge Industries.

     (i) Phelps Dodge Mining Company is a business segment that includes our
worldwide copper operations from mining through rod production, marketing and
sales; molybdenum operations from mining through manufacturing, marketing and
sales; other mining operations and investments; and worldwide mineral
exploration and development programs.

     (ii) Phelps Dodge Industries includes our specialty chemicals segment and
our wire and cable segment.

     In 1999, including production from the acquired Cyprus operations as of
October 16, Phelps Dodge Mining Company produced 890,100 tons of copper for our
account from worldwide mining operations, and an additional 191,200 tons of
copper for the accounts of our minority interest joint-venture partners. Gold,
silver, molybdenum, copper sulfate and sulfuric acid are by-products of our
copper operations. Production of copper for our own account from our U.S.
operations constituted approximately 35 percent of the copper mined in the
United States in 1999. Much of our U.S. cathode copper production, together with
additional copper purchased from others, is used to produce continuous-cast
copper rod, the basic feed for the electrical wire and cable industry. We also
explore for metals and minerals throughout the world.

     Our international mining operations include Candelaria and El Abra, major
copper mines in Chile, the Cerro Verde mine in Peru, and other operations and
investments in Chile and Peru. These operations produce a variety of metals and
minerals including copper, gold and silver.

     Molybdenum concentrate is produced at our Henderson mine in Colorado, and
as a by-product at several of our U.S. copper operations. The concentrate is
roasted to produce molybdenum oxide at one of our three roasting operations, and
various molybdenum metallurgical and chemical products are produced at our three
conversion facilities.

     In addition to our mining interests, we produce engineered products
principally for the global energy, telecommunications, transportation and
specialty chemicals sectors through Phelps Dodge Industries.

     We produce specialty chemicals at operations in North America, Europe,
Latin America and Asia through Columbian Chemicals Company, one of the world's
largest producers of carbon black. Carbon black is a reinforcing agent in
natural and synthetic rubber that increases the service life of tires, hoses,
belting and other products for the rubber industry. We also produce specialty
carbon black for other industrial applications such as pigments for printing,
coatings, plastics and other non-rubber applications.

     Our wire and cable segment has operations in the United States, Latin
America, Asia, Europe and Africa. This segment produces magnet wire and other
copper products for sale principally to original equipment manufacturers for use
in electrical motors, generators, transformers and other products, and
manufactures energy and telecommunications cables and specialty conductors.


     On December 8, 2000, the Corporation announced that it had retained
investment bankers to explore strategic alternatives for, including the
potential sale of, Phelps Dodge Industries and Colombian Chemicals Company.


     The Corporation's principal executive offices are located at 2600 North
Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-3089, and its telephone number is (602)
234-8100.

                                        3
<PAGE>   6

                                   THE TRUSTS

     Phelps Dodge created each trust as a statutory Delaware business trust
pursuant to a trust agreement. Phelps Dodge will enter into an amended and
restated trust agreement for each trust, which will state the terms and
conditions for the trust to issue and sell its preferred securities and common
securities.

     Each trust exists solely to:

     - issue and sell to the public preferred securities, representing undivided
       beneficial interests in the assets of the trust;

     - issue and sell to Phelps Dodge common securities, representing undivided
       beneficial interests in the assets of the trust;

     - use the gross proceeds from the sale of its preferred and common
       securities to purchase a series of junior subordinated debt securities of
       Phelps Dodge;

     - distribute the cash payments it receives from the junior subordinated
       debt securities it owns to the holders of the preferred and common
       securities; and

     - engage in other activities that are necessary or incidental to these
       purposes.

     Phelps Dodge will purchase all of the common securities of each trust. The
common securities will represent an aggregate liquidation amount equal to at
least 3% of each trust's total capitalization. The preferred securities will
represent the remaining approximately 97% of each trust's total capitalization.
The common securities will have terms substantially identical to, and will rank
equal in priority of payment with, the preferred securities. Payments will be
made on both the common securities and the preferred securities when payments of
interest are made on the junior subordinated debt securities, upon redemption of
the junior subordinated debt securities or in some circumstances upon
liquidation of the trust. However, if a default on the payments on the related
junior subordinated debt securities occurs, then cash distributions and
redemption, liquidation and other amounts payable on the common securities will
be subordinate in priority of payment to the amounts payable on the preferred
securities.

     Each of the trusts is a legally separate entity and the assets of one are
not available to satisfy the obligations of any of the others. The preferred
securities will be guaranteed by Phelps Dodge as described later in this
prospectus. We will appoint five trustees to conduct each trust's business and
affairs:

     - First Union National Bank, which will act as the property trustee;

     - First Union Trust Company, N.A., which will act as the Delaware trustee;
       and

     - Three Phelps Dodge officers, who will act as the administrative trustees.

     Phelps Dodge will pay all fees and expenses related to each trust and the
offering of the preferred securities and will pay all ongoing costs, expenses
and liabilities of each trust, except the trust's obligations under the
preferred and common securities.

     The trusts will not have separate financial statements. The statements
would not be material to holders of the preferred securities because the trusts
will not have any independent operations and exist solely for the reasons
summarized above.

     The principal offices of each trust will be located at c/o Phelps Dodge
Corporation, 2600 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, and the telephone
number of each trust will be 602-234-8100.

                                        4
<PAGE>   7

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     Unless stated otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, Phelps
Dodge will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general
corporate purposes, which may include financing our acquisitions, capital
expenditures and daily operations and those of our subsidiaries, and refinancing
debt. We may also use the proceeds for temporary investments until we need them
for general corporate purposes. Unless stated otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered
by each trust will be used by the trust to purchase a series of junior
subordinated debt securities.

                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

     The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
Phelps Dodge for each of the periods indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NINE MONTHS
                                                 ENDED              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             SEPTEMBER 30,    ------------------------------------
                                                 2000         1999    1998    1997    1996    1995
                                             -------------    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----
<S>                                          <C>              <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(a)......      1.3           (b)    4.4     8.2     10.5    16.2
</TABLE>


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

(a) For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed
    charges, earnings consist of income before taxes, minority interests and
    equity in net earnings (losses) of affiliated companies and cumulative
    effect of accounting changes. Minority interests in majority-owned
    subsidiaries were not deducted from earnings as all such subsidiaries had
    fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest (including capitalized
    interest) on all indebtedness, amortization of debt discount and expense,
    and that portion of rental expense which Phelps Dodge believes to be
    representative of interest. A statement setting forth the computation of the
    unaudited ratios of earnings to fixed charges is filed as Exhibit 12.1 to
    the registration statement that includes this prospectus.



(b) Due to the loss recorded in 1999, the ratio coverage was less than 1:1.
    Phelps Dodge would have needed to generate additional earnings of $419.3
    million to achieve a coverage of 1:1 in 1999.


                              ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     Each trust will be treated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Phelps Dodge for
financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, each trust's financial statements
will be included in the consolidated financial statements of Phelps Dodge. The
preferred securities of each trust may be classified as a separate line item in
the consolidated balance sheet of Phelps Dodge following long-term debt but
preceding shareholders' equity or may be classified as debt, with appropriate
disclosures about the preferred securities included in the footnotes to the
consolidated financial statements. Phelps Dodge will record distributions
payable on preferred securities as interest expense or other non-operating
expense (consistent with the balance sheet classification) in the statement of
consolidated operations of Phelps Dodge. Included in a footnote to the
consolidated financial statements will be disclosure that the sole assets of
each trust are the junior subordinated debt securities, the principal amount,
interest rate and maturity date of the junior subordinated debt securities held.


     In October 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released an
exposure draft, "Accounting for Financial Instruments with Characteristics of
Liabilities, Equity, or Both." The exposure draft, if enacted, would alter the
accounting treatment described above by requiring the preferred securities of
each trust to be classified as debt on the consolidated statements of financial
position of Phelps Dodge and the related distributions payable as a component of
interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations of Phelps Dodge.


                                        5
<PAGE>   8

                        DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON SHARES

GENERAL

     Pursuant to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, we are authorized to
issue 200 million common shares having a par value of $6.25 per share. Our
common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
"PD." The transfer and dividend paying agent and registrar for our common shares
is ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC.

     We summarize below all of the material features of our common shares. The
summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws and the
Rights Agreement. Those documents are incorporated by reference as exhibits to
the registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you
to read them.

     The common shares when offered by this prospectus will, when issued, be
fully paid and nonassessable and will not have, or be subject to, any preemptive
or similar rights.

DIVIDENDS

     Subject to the preferential rights of any holders of any outstanding series
of our preferred shares, each holder of common shares is entitled to receive
dividends, if declared by our board of directors, out of funds that we can
legally use to pay dividends.

VOTING RIGHTS

     The holders of common shares will possess exclusive voting rights in our
company, except to the extent that our board of directors will have designated
voting power with respect to any preferred shares issued. Each holder of common
shares is entitled to one vote for each share registered in that holder's name
on our books on each matter submitted for a vote of holders of common shares.

LIQUIDATION RIGHTS

     In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company, the
holders of common shares will be entitled to share proportionately in the
distribution of all assets of our company remaining after payment of all of our
company's debts and liabilities and of all sums to which holders of any
preferred shares may be entitled.

PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

     Holders of common shares are not entitled to preemptive rights with respect
to any shares of our capital stock or other securities convertible into or
carrying rights or options to purchase any of our shares.

RIGHTS AGREEMENT

     Each of our common shares, including those that may be issued in an
offering under this prospectus, carries with it one preferred share purchase
right. If these rights become exercisable, each right entitles the registered
holder to purchase one two-hundredth of a Junior Participating Cumulative
Preferred Share (subject to a proportionate decrease in the fractional number of
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares that may be purchased if a
stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction occurs with respect to the
common shares and a proportionate increase in the event of a reverse stock
split). Until a right is exercised, the holder of the right has no right to vote
or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder as a result of holding
the right. The terms of the rights are described in the Rights Agreement, dated
as of February 5, 1998, between us and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as rights
agent. We have summarized all of the material features of the Rights Agreement.
The summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of the Rights Agreement. The Rights Agreement is incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this
prospectus, and we encourage you to read it.

                                        6
<PAGE>   9

     The rights trade automatically with our common shares. A holder of common
shares may exercise the rights only under the circumstances described below. The
rights are designed to protect the interests of our company and shareholders
against coercive takeover tactics. The rights are also designed to encourage
potential acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors before attempting a
takeover and to increase the ability of our board of directors to negotiate
terms of any proposed takeover that benefit our shareholders. The rights may,
but are not intended to, deter potential acquirors from making takeover
proposals.

     Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares will rank junior to all
other series of our preferred shares, including any preferred shares offered
under this prospectus, if our board of directors, in creating such preferred
shares, provides that they will rank senior to the Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Shares.

     The purchase price for each one two-hundredth of a Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Share is $210. We must adjust the purchase price if
specified events occur, such as:

     - if we pay stock dividends on the Junior Participating Cumulative
       Preferred Shares or effect a stock split or reverse stock split with
       respect to the Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares; or

     - if we issue any shares of our capital stock in a reclassification of the
       Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares.

     Holders may exercise their rights only following a distribution date. A
distribution date will occur on the earlier of the following: (1) ten days after
a public announcement or notice to Phelps Dodge that a person or group has
acquired 20% or more of our outstanding common shares or (2) ten business days
(or such later date as may be determined by our board of directors) after a
person or group makes or announces an offer to purchase our common shares,
which, if successful, would result in that person or group owning 20% or more of
our outstanding common shares. However, a distribution date will not occur, and
the rights cannot be exercised, as long as our board of directors has the
ability to redeem the rights, as described below.

     The rights have some additional features that will be triggered upon the
occurrence of specified events, including:

     - if a person or group acquires 20% or more of our outstanding common
       shares, holders of the rights, other than such person or group, may
       purchase our common shares (instead of our Junior Participating
       Cumulative Preferred Shares) at 50% of the market value of the purchased
       common shares;

     - if a person or group acquires 20% or more of our outstanding common
       shares, our board of directors may, at any time before the person or
       group acquires 50% or more of the outstanding common shares, exchange all
       or part of the rights (other than rights held or previously held by the
       20% or greater shareholder) for common shares at an exchange ratio equal
       to one common share per right, subject to adjustment; and

     - if our company is involved in specified business combinations or the sale
       of 50% or more of our assets or earning power, the holders of the rights
       may purchase common shares of the acquiror or an affiliated company at
       50% of market value.

     Any time before a person or group acquires 20% or more of the outstanding
common shares, our board of directors may redeem the rights in whole, but not in
part, at a rights redemption price of $0.01 per right, subject to adjustment for
stock dividends, stock splits and similar transactions. Our board of directors
in its sole discretion may establish the effective time, basis and conditions of
the redemption. Immediately upon redemption of the rights, the holder (1) can no
longer exercise such rights and (2) can only receive the redemption price.

     The rights will expire on February 24, 2008, unless we redeem them before
then. At any time before a person or group acquires 20% or more of our
outstanding common shares, our board of directors may amend the terms of the
rights without the consent of the holders of the rights in any manner our board
of directors deems desirable. Thereafter, our board of directors may amend the
terms of the rights without the consent of the holders of the rights only if the
amendment does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the rights.

                                        7
<PAGE>   10

                      DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SHARES

     We are authorized by our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to issue 6
million preferred shares having a par value of $1.00 per share, of which 400,000
have been designated Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares and are
described below. As of today, we have not issued any preferred shares.

     We summarize below all of the material features of our preferred shares.
The summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our By-Laws and the
Rights Agreement. Those documents are incorporated by reference as exhibits to
the registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you
to read them.

     Subject to limitations prescribed by the New York Business Corporation Law,
our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our By-Laws, our board of
directors is authorized to fix the number of shares constituting each series of
preferred shares and the designations, preferences, rights and limitations
related to each series, including those provisions as may be desired concerning
voting, redemption, dividends, dissolution or the distribution of assets,
conversion or exchange, and such other subjects or matters as may be fixed by
resolution of our board of directors or a committee authorized by our board of
directors. The preferred shares when offered by this prospectus will, when
issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will not have, or be subject to, any
preemptive or similar rights. As described above under "Description of the
Common Shares -- Rights Agreement," each of our common shares carries with it
one preferred share purchase right. The rights are designed to protect the
interests of our company and shareholders against coercive takeover tactics. The
rights are also designed to encourage potential acquirors to negotiate with our
board of directors before attempting a takeover and to increase the ability of
our board of directors to negotiate terms of any proposed takeover that benefit
our shareholders. The rights may, but are not intended to, deter potential
acquirors from making takeover proposals.

     We will describe in a prospectus supplement some or all of the following
terms of the series of preferred shares being offered:

     - title;

     - the number of shares offered;

     - the liquidation preference per share;

     - the purchase price;

     - the dividend rates, periods and/or payment dates or methods of
       calculation of the dividend rates;

     - whether dividends will be cumulative or non-cumulative and, if
       cumulative, the date from which dividends will accumulate;

     - the procedures for any auction or remarketing, if any;

     - the provisions for a sinking fund, if any;

     - the provisions for redemption, if applicable;

     - any listing of the preferred shares on any securities exchange or market;

     - the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred shares
       will be convertible into our common shares, including the conversion
       price, or manner of calculation of the conversion price, and conversion
       period;

     - the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which preferred shares will
       be exchanged into debt securities, including the exchange price, or
       manner of calculating the exchange price, and the exchange period;

     - voting rights, if any;

     - the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred shares as to
       dividend rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
       affairs;
                                        8
<PAGE>   11

     - any limitations on issuance of any series of preferred shares ranking
       senior to or equal to the series of preferred shares as to dividend
       rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and

     - any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
       restrictions.

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of the material
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the particular
series of preferred shares being offered.

     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred
shares will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of our company, rank:

     - senior to all series of our common shares, and to all equity securities
       issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that such equity
       securities rank junior to the preferred shares with respect to dividend
       rights or rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our
       company;

     - equal to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which
       specifically provide that those equity securities will rank equal to the
       preferred shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon
       liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company; and

     - junior to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which
       specifically provide that those equity securities rank senior to the
       preferred shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon
       liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company.

JUNIOR PARTICIPATING CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES

  General


     In connection with the Rights Agreement, 400,000 Junior Participating
Cumulative Preferred Shares have been reserved and authorized for issuance by
our Board of Directors. No Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares are
outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. We summarize below all of the
material features of our Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares. The
summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation. That document is
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that
includes this prospectus, and we encourage you to read it.


  Ranking

     The Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares shall rank junior to
all other series of our preferred shares as to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets, unless the terms of any such series shall provide
otherwise.

  Dividends and Distributions

     Subject to the prior and superior rights of the holders of any share of any
series of preferred shares ranking prior to and superior to the Junior
Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares with respect to dividends, the holders
of Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares, in preference to the
holders of common shares and of any other junior shares which may be
outstanding, shall be entitled to receive, if declared by the Board of Directors
out of funds legally available for that purpose, quarterly dividends payable in
cash, in an amount per share equal to the greater of (1) $2.50 per share ($10.00
per annum) and (2) subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, 100 times
the aggregate per share amount of, with certain exceptions, all cash and
non-cash dividends or other distributions, declared on the common shares, since
the immediately preceding quarterly dividend payment date, or, with respect to
the first quarterly dividend payment date, since the first issuance of any
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Share.

     If no dividend or distribution is declared on the common shares during the
period between any quarterly dividend payment date and the next subsequent
quarterly dividend payment date, a dividend of $2.50 per share

                                        9
<PAGE>   12

($10.00 per annum) on the Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares will
nevertheless be payable on such subsequent quarterly dividend payment date.

  Voting Rights

     The holders of Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares will have
the following voting rights:

     - subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, each Junior
       Participating Cumulative Preferred Share shall entitle the holder to 100
       votes (and each one two-hundredth of a Junior Participating Cumulative
       Preferred Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one-half of one vote)
       on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders of Phelps Dodge;
       and

     - except as otherwise provided by law, the holders of Junior Participating
       Cumulative Preferred Shares and the holders of common shares shall vote
       together as one class.

  Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up

     Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Phelps Dodge, after
distribution of the liquidation price to the holders of shares ranking senior as
to distribution of assets to the Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred
Shares, the holders of Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares will be
entitled to receive the greater of (1) $100 per share and (2) an aggregate
amount per share, subject to adjustment upon certain dilutive events, equal to
100 times the aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of common
shares; or a pro-rata portion of such amount if the assets are not sufficient to
pay the full amount.

  Consolidation, Merger, Etc.

     In case Phelps Dodge shall enter into any consolidation, merger,
combination or other transaction in which the common shares are exchanged for or
changed into other stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, each
Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Share shall at the same time be
similarly exchanged or changed into an amount per share (subject to adjustment
upon certain dilutive events) equal to 100 times the aggregate amount of the
instrument into which or for which each common share is changed or exchanged.

  Certain Restrictions

     Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions payable on
the Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares are in arrears, Phelps
Dodge shall not:

     - declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, other than in
       common shares, on the common shares;

     - purchase any Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares, unless
       paid for with common shares; or

     - permit any entity controlled by Phelps Dodge to purchase any common
       shares or Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares;

until such accrued dividends and distributions are paid in full or an amount
sufficient for such payment as been set aside.

REDEMPTION

     The shares of Junior Participating Cumulative Preferred Shares are not
redeemable.

                                       10
<PAGE>   13

        DESCRIPTION OF SHARE PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND SHARE PURCHASE UNITS

     This section describes the general terms and provisions of our share
purchase contracts and share purchase units that may be offered by this
prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of the share purchase
contracts or share purchase units, we will describe the specific terms of the
series in a supplement to this prospectus. The description in the applicable
supplement to this prospectus will be a summary of all the material features of
the share purchase contracts or share purchase units. Reference will be made to
the share purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and
depositary arrangements, relating to the share purchase contracts or share
purchase units, which will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to
the registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you
to read them.

GENERAL

     We may issue and sell, from time to time, share purchase contracts,
representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and for us to
sell to the holders, a specified number of our common shares at a future date or
dates. The price per share of our common stock may be fixed at the time the
share purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a
specified formula set forth in the share purchase contracts. The share purchase
contracts may be issued separately or as parts of units. The share purchase
units will consist of the following:

     - a share purchase contract; and

     - one or more of the following, each of which secures the holders'
       obligations to purchase the common shares under the share purchase
       contracts:

       - senior notes;

       - junior subordinated notes;

       - trust preferred securities; or

       - debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities.

     The share purchase contracts may require (1) us to make periodic payments
to holders of the share purchase units or (2) the holders of the share purchase
units to make periodic payments to us. The share purchase contracts may require
holders to secure their obligations under the stock purchase contracts in a
specified manner.

                                       11
<PAGE>   14

                            DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS


     We summarize below all of the material features of the warrants. The
summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of the applicable warrant certificate and warrant agreement. Those
documents will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you to
read them. You should also read the applicable prospectus supplement, which will
contain additional information and may update or change some of the information
below.


GENERAL

     We may issue warrants to purchase common shares, and warrants to purchase
debt securities, as well as other types of warrants. We may issue the warrants
independently or together with other securities. The warrants may be attached to
or separate from the other securities. Each series of warrants will be issued
under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant
agent. The warrant agent will be our agent and will not assume any obligations
to any owner of the warrants.

COMMON SHARE WARRANTS

  General

     The prospectus supplement and the common share warrant agreement relating
to any series of warrants will include specific terms of the warrants. These
terms include the following:

     - the title and aggregate number of warrants;

     - the price or prices at which the common share warrants will be issued;

     - the currency or currencies or currency units or composite currencies in
       which the price of the warrants may be payable;

     - the number of common shares for which the warrant can be exercised and
       the price or the manner of determining the price and currency or other
       consideration to purchase the common shares;

     - the date on which the right to exercise the warrant begins and the date
       on which the right expires;

     - if applicable, the maximum or maximum amount of warrants that may be
       exercised at any one time;

     - any provision dealing with the date on which the warrants and related
       securities will be separately transferable;

     - any mandatory or optional redemption provision;

     - the identity of the common share warrant agent;

     - information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and

     - any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and
       limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

     The warrants will be represented by certificates. The warrants may be
exchanged under the terms outlined in the common share warrant agreement. We
will not charge any service charges for any transfer or exchange of warrant
certificates, but we may require payment for tax or other governmental charges
in connection with the exchange or transfer. Unless the prospectus supplement
states otherwise, until a common share warrant is exercised, a holder will not
be entitled to any payments on or have any rights with respect to the common
shares issuable upon exercise of the common share warrant. The applicable
prospectus supplement will describe all of the material United States federal
income tax considerations applicable to the particular series of warrants being
offered.

                                       12
<PAGE>   15

  Exercise of Common Share Warrants

     To exercise the warrants, the holder must provide the common share warrant
agent with the following:


     - payment of the exercise price;


     - any required information described on the warrant certificates;

     - the number of warrants to be exercised;

     - an executed and completed warrant certificate; and

     - any other items required by the common share warrant agreement

     The common share warrant agent will issue a new warrant certificate for any
warrants not exercised. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, no
fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of warrants, but we will pay the
cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable.

     The exercise price and the number of common shares that each warrant can
purchase will be adjusted upon the occurrence of events described in the common
share warrant agreement, including the issuance of a stock dividend or a
combination, subdivision or reclassification of common shares. Unless the
prospectus supplement states otherwise, no adjustment will be required until
cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1%. From time to time,
we may reduce the exercise price as may be provided in the common share warrant
agreement.

     Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, if we enter into any
consolidation, merger, or sale or conveyance of our property as an entirety, the
holder of each outstanding warrant will have the right to the kind and amount of
shares, other securities, property or cash receivable by a holder of the number
of common shares into which the warrants were exercisable immediately prior to
the occurrence of the event.

  Modification of the Common Share Warrant Agreement

     The common share warrant agreement will permit us and the common share
warrant agent, without the consent of the common share warrant holders, to
supplement or amend the agreement in the following circumstances:

     - to cure any ambiguity;

     - to correct or supplement any provision which may be defective or
       inconsistent with any other provisions; or

     - to add new provisions regarding matters or questions that we and the
       common share warrant agent may deem necessary or desirable and which do
       not adversely affect the interests of the common share warrant holders.

DEBT WARRANTS

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of warrants to
purchase debt securities, including the following:

     - the title and aggregate number of the debt warrants;

     - the price or prices at which the debt warrants will be issued;

     - the currency or currencies or currency units or composite currencies in
       which the price of the debt warrants may be payable;

     - the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the debt
       securities purchasable upon exercise of the debt warrants;

     - the price at which, and currency or currencies or currency units or
       composite currencies in which, the debt securities purchasable upon
       exercise of the debt warrants may be purchased;

                                       13
<PAGE>   16

     - the date on which the right to exercise the debt warrants begins and the
       date on which the right expires;

     - if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the debt warrants that
       may be exercised at any one time;

     - if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the
       debt warrants are issued and the number of the debt warrants issued with
       each other security;

     - if applicable, the date on and after which the debt warrants and the
       related other securities will be separately transferable;

     - any mandatory or optional redemption provision;

     - the identity of the debt securities warrant agent;

     - information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and

     - any other terms of the debt warrants, including terms, procedures and
       limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the debt warrants.

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of the material
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the particular
series of warrants being offered.

OTHER WARRANTS

     We may issue warrants to purchase other securities, including preferred
shares. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any
other warrants, including the following:

     - the title and aggregate number of the warrants;

     - the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

     - the currency or currencies or currency units or composite currencies in
       which the price of the warrants may be payable;

     - the designations and terms of the preferred shares or other securities
       purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

     - the price at which, and the currency or currencies or currency units or
       composite currencies in which the securities purchasable upon exercise of
       such warrants may be purchased;

     - the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date
       on which the right expires;

     - if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be
       exercised at any one time;

     - if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related
       other securities will be separately transferable;

     - any mandatory or optional redemption provision;

     - the identity of the warrant agent;

     - information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and

     - any other terms of the warrants including terms, procedures and
       limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of the material
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the particular
series of warrants being offered.

                                       14
<PAGE>   17

                       DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

     We may offer unsecured general obligations, which may be senior debt
securities or junior subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities
and the junior subordinated debt securities are together referred to in this
prospectus as the "debt securities." The senior debt securities will have the
same rank as all of our other unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The junior
subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment
to the extent and in the manner set forth in the subordinated indenture to all
of our senior debt as defined below under "Description of the Debt
Securities -- Provisions Applicable Only to Junior Subordinated Debt
Securities -- Subordination."

     The senior debt securities will be issued in one or more series under an
indenture (sometimes referred to as the senior indenture) dated as of September
22, 1997 between us and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as the trustee. Pursuant to
the Tripartite/Conversion Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2000, First Union
National Bank succeeded The Chase Manhattan Bank as trustee under the Indenture.
The junior subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture
(sometimes referred to as the subordinated indenture) dated as of August 11,
2000 between us and First Union National Bank, as trustee.

     We summarize below all of the material features of the debt securities. The
summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of the indentures and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939. The indentures are filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the
registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you to
read them. You should also read the applicable prospectus supplement, which will
contain additional information and may update or change some of the information
below. References in parentheses below to sections or articles are to sections
or articles of the indentures.

     The debt securities will be issuable in one or more series pursuant to one
or more indentures supplemental to the original indentures, or a resolution of
our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors.
(Section 3.1 of each indenture.)

     The indentures do not contain any covenants or provisions which may afford
holders of debt securities protection in the event that we engage in a highly
leveraged transaction or other transaction that may adversely affect the holders
of the debt securities, including the incurrence or issuance of other secured or
unsecured debt.

     Most of our assets are owned by our subsidiaries and, accordingly, the debt
securities are effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities
of our subsidiaries. Our rights and the rights of our creditors, including
holders of debt securities, to participate in any distribution of the assets of
any subsidiary upon its liquidation, recapitalization or insolvency would be
subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, except to the extent
that we might ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against the
subsidiary.

GENERAL TERMS OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

     The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under
the indentures is unlimited. The debt securities may be issued in one or more
series. You should refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for the
specific terms of the debt securities, including the following:

     - title and aggregate principal amount;

     - indenture under which the debt securities are issued;

     - any applicable subordination provisions;

     - percentage or percentages of principal amount at which the debt
       securities will be issued and percentage or percentages of principal
       amount payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the
       debt securities;

     - maturity date(s);

     - interest rate(s) or the method for determining the interest rate(s);

                                       15
<PAGE>   18

     - dates on which interest will accrue or the method for determining dates
       on which interest will accrue and dates on which interest will be
       payable;

     - interest deferral provisions, if any;

     - conversion or exchange provisions, if any;

     - place or places where principal, premium and interest will be payable;

     - redemption or early repayment provisions;

     - authorized denominations;

     - amount of discount with which such debt securities will be issued;

     - whether the debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the
       form of one or more global securities;

     - identity of the depositary for global securities;

     - whether a temporary security is to be issued with respect to such series
       and whether any interest payable prior to the issuance of definitive debt
       securities of the series will be credited to the account of the persons
       entitled thereto;

     - the terms upon which beneficial interests in a temporary global debt
       security may be exchanged in whole or in part for beneficial interests in
       a definitive global debt security or for individual definitive debt
       securities and the terms upon which such exchanges may be made;

     - currency, currencies or currency units in which the purchase price for,
       the principal of and any premium and any interest on, such debt
       securities will be payable;

     - time period within which, the manner in which and the terms and
       conditions upon which the purchaser of the debt securities can select the
       payment currency;

     - securities exchange(s) on which the debt securities will be listed, if
       any;

     - additions to or changes in the events of default with respect to the debt
       securities and any change in the right of the trustee or the holders to
       declare the principal, premium and interest with respect to such debt
       securities to be due and payable; and

     - additional terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indentures.

     One or more series of debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount
below their stated principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate
which at the time of issuance is below market rates. One or more series of debt
securities may be variable rate debt securities that may be exchanged for fixed
rate debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of
the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the
particular series of debt securities being offered.

     Debt securities may be issued where the amount of principal and/or interest
payable is determined by reference to:

     - the price of one or more commodities, derivatives or securities;

     - one or more securities, derivatives or commodities exchange indices or
       other indices;

     - a currency or currencies (including any currency unit or units) other
       than the currency in which such debt securities are issued or other
       factors; or

     - any other variable or the relationship between any variables or
       combination of variables.

     Holders of such debt securities may receive a principal amount or a payment
of interest that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or
interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending upon the value of the
applicable currencies, commodities, securities, derivatives, indices or other
factors. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal
or interest, if any, payable on any date, and the
                                       16
<PAGE>   19

currencies, commodities, securities, derivatives, indices or other factors to
which the amount payable on such date is linked will be described in the
applicable prospectus supplement.

     The term "debt securities" includes debt securities denominated in U.S.
dollars or, if specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in any other
freely transferable currency or units based on or relating to foreign
currencies.

     We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form
without coupons and in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of
$1,000. (Section 3.2 of each indenture.) Subject to the limitations provided in
the indentures and in the prospectus supplement, debt securities which are
issued in registered form may be registered, transferred or exchanged at the
principal corporate trust office of the trustee or at the office or agency that
we will maintain for such purpose in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other
governmental charge payable in connection with the registration or transfer or
exchange. (Sections 3.5 and 9.2 of each indenture.)

     We may issue debt securities of any series in whole or in part in
definitive form or in the form of one or more global debt securities as
described below under "Global Securities." We may issue debt securities of a
series at different times. In addition, we may issue debt securities within a
series with terms different from the terms of other debt securities of that
series. (Section 3.1(c) of each indenture.)

     Subject to applicable law, we or any of our affiliates may at any time
purchase or repurchase debt securities of any series in any manner and at any
price. Debt securities of any series purchased by us or any of our affiliates
may be held or surrendered by the purchaser of the debt securities for
cancellation.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

     We expect the following provisions to apply to all debt securities.

     We may issue the debt securities of a series in whole or in part in the
form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf
of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. We will issue global
securities in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless
and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt
securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the
depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a
nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such
depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such
depositary or a nominee of such successor. (Section 2.4 of each indenture.)

     The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt
securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon owners of
beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the prospectus
supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply to
depositary arrangements.

     Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for such global
security or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer
system, the respective principal amounts of the individual debt securities
represented by such global security to the accounts of persons that have
accounts with such depositary or its nominee. Such accounts shall be designated
by the dealers, underwriters or agents with respect to the debt securities or by
us if such debt securities are offered and sold directly by us. Ownership of
beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to persons that have
accounts with the applicable depositary, who are referred to in this prospectus
as participants, or persons that may hold interests through participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in such global security will be shown on, and
the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained
by the applicable depositary or its nominee with respect to interests of
participants and the records of participants with respect to interests of
persons other than participants. The laws of some states require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive
form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial
interests in a global security.

     So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of a global security, such depositary or such nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt

                                       17
<PAGE>   20

securities represented by that global security for all purposes under the
indenture governing those debt securities. Except as provided below, owners of
beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have any of
the individual debt securities of the series represented by that global security
registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical
delivery of any debt securities of such series in definitive form and will not
be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indenture governing such
debt securities.

     Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on individual
debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a
depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered owner of the global security representing the
debt securities. Neither we, the trustee for the debt securities, any paying
agent, nor the registrar for the debt securities will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the
depositary or any participants on account of beneficial ownership interests in
the global security for the debt securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

     We expect that the depositary for a series of debt securities or its
nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest in
respect of a permanent global security representing the debt securities, will
immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate
to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global
security for the debt securities as shown on the records of the depositary or
its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interests in a global security held through such participants will be
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered
in "street name." Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.

     If the depositary for a series of debt securities notifies us at any time
that it is unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and a
successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue
definitive debt securities of that series in exchange for the global security or
securities representing that series of debt securities. In addition, we may at
any time and in our sole discretion, subject to any limitations described in the
prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities, determine not to have any
debt securities of a series represented by one or more global securities, and,
in such event, will issue definitive debt securities of that series in exchange
for the global security or securities representing that series of debt
securities. If definitive debt securities are issued, an owner of a beneficial
interest in a global security will be entitled to physical delivery of
definitive debt securities of the series represented by that global security
equal in principal amount to that beneficial interest and to have the debt
securities registered in its name. Definitive debt securities of any series so
issued will be issued in denominations, unless otherwise specified by us, of
$1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.

REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     If the debt securities of a series provide for redemption at our election,
unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, such
redemption shall be on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice and, in
the event of redemption in part, the debt securities to be redeemed will be
selected by the trustee by such method as it shall deem fair and appropriate.
Notice of such redemption will be mailed to holders of debt securities of such
series to their last addresses as they appear on the register of the debt
securities of such series. (Sections 1.6, 10.3 and 10.4 of each indenture.)

EVENTS OF DEFAULT, NOTICE AND WAIVER

     Each indenture provides that, if an event of default in respect of any
series of debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing, either the
trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal (or a
portion thereof in the case of certain debt securities issued with original
issue discount or indexed debt securities) and accrued interest of all the debt
securities of that series to be due and payable, by written notice to us (and by
written notice to the trustee if given by the holders). The consequence of this
action is that the principal and accrued interest of the debt securities shall
be immediately due and payable by us. (Section 5.2 of each indenture.)

                                       18
<PAGE>   21

     Each indenture defines events of default in respect of any series of debt
securities as:

     - default for 30 days in payment of any interest installment or additional
       amount when due;

     - default in payment of the principal of or any premium on or any mandatory
       sinking fund payment with respect to debt securities of such series when
       due;

     - failure to comply with certain obligations for 60 days after written
       notice of non-compliance to us by the trustee or the holders of at least
       25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such
       series;

     - our commencement of a voluntary case under Title 11 of the U.S. Code or
       any similar federal or state bankruptcy law;

     - our consent to the entry of an order for relief against us in an
       involuntary case under any such law or to the appointment of a receiver,
       trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any such law;

     - a general assignment by us for the benefit of our creditors under any
       such law;

     - the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of an order or decree
       granting relief against us in an involuntary case under any such law
       where such order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;

     - the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of an order or decree
       appointing a receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official
       for Phelps Dodge or for substantially all of our property where such
       order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; and

     - any other event of default provided for in the indenture with respect to
       the debt securities of such series.

(Section 5.1 of each indenture.)

     The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Section 6.6 of each indenture provide
that the trustee will, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default in
respect of any series of debt securities, give to the holders of that series
written notice of all uncured and unwaived defaults known to it; provided that,
except in the case of default in the payment of the principal of, premium on, if
any, or interest on, if any, or any sinking fund installment or analogous
obligation with respect to, any of the debt securities of that series, the
trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders
of that series. "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage
of time or both would be, an event of default with respect to debt securities of
such series.

     Each indenture provides that the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, subject
to limitations, direct the time, method and place of conducting proceedings for
any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred
on the trustee, in respect of the debt securities of that series. (Section 5.8
of each indenture.)

     Each indenture includes a covenant that we will file annually with the
trustee a certificate of compliance with all conditions and covenants under each
indenture. (Section 9.7 of each indenture.)

     In certain cases, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding debt securities of a series may, by providing written notice
to the trustee on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series,
waive any past default or event of default, except for defaults or events of
default not already cured in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if
any, or interest on any of the debt securities of that series or any coupon
related to such debt securities or compliance with certain covenants or
provisions. (Section 5.7 of each indenture.)

                                       19
<PAGE>   22

CERTAIN COVENANTS OF PHELPS DODGE

  Limitation on Liens

     Each indenture provides that we will not, and will not permit certain of
our subsidiaries to, (a) issue, assume or guarantee any debt for money borrowed
if such debt is secured by a mortgage upon, or (b) secure any outstanding debt
by a mortgage upon, certain of the principal properties that we now or may own
without providing that the debt securities offered under this prospectus are
secured equally with such debt, except that these restrictions shall not apply
to:

     - mortgages on any principal property acquired, constructed or improved
       after the date of the indenture to secure or provide for the payment of
       the related purchase price or cost;

     - mortgages on any principal property acquired in connection with a merger;

     - mortgages to secure debt of a restricted subsidiary owed to us or another
       restricted subsidiary;

     - any extension, renewal or replacement of any mortgage referred to above;

     - the sale or other transfer of any interest in property commonly referred
       to as a "production payment"; and

     - mortgages in favor of governmental bodies to secure advance or progress
       payments under any contract or statute or debt incurred for the purpose
       of financing the purchase price or cost of constructing or improving the
       related property subject.

(Section 9.9 of each indenture.)

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and our subsidiaries may, without
securing the debt securities, issue, assume or guarantee secured debt which
would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions in an aggregate amount
which, together with all other such debt of ours and our subsidiaries and the
rental payments related to sale and lease-back transactions (other than sale and
lease-back transactions in which the property involved would have been permitted
to be mortgaged under the preceding paragraph or the proceeds of which have been
applied to the retirement of long-term debt), does not at the time exceed 15% of
our consolidated shareholders' equity. (Section 9.9 of each indenture.)

  Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

     Sale and lease-back transactions by us or certain of our subsidiaries are
prohibited unless the proceeds of such transaction are at least equal to the
fair value of the property leased and either (i) we or the restricted subsidiary
would be entitled to incur debt secured by a mortgage on the property to be
leased without equally securing the debt securities or (ii) we apply an amount
equal to the fair value of the property leased to the retirement of our
long-term debt. Sale and lease-back transactions do not include arrangements
with governmental bodies entered into for the purpose of financing the purchase
price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to such
arrangements. (Section 9.10 of each indenture.)

     Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, we and our subsidiaries may enter
into any sale and lease-back transaction which would otherwise be subject to the
foregoing restrictions if the amount of the rental payments related to such
transaction, together with all secured debt of ours and our restricted
subsidiaries and all other rental payments related to sale and lease-back
transactions (other than sale and lease-back transactions permitted because we
would be entitled to incur debt secured by a mortgage on the property to be
leased without equally securing the debt securities, and other than sale and
lease-back transactions the proceeds of which have been applied in accordance
with clause (ii) of the preceding paragraph), does not at the time exceed 15% of
our consolidated shareholders' equity. (Section 9.10 of each indenture.)

                                       20
<PAGE>   23

MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES

     Each indenture contains provisions permitting us and the trustee to enter
into one or more supplemental indentures without the consent of the holders of
any of the debt securities in order to:

     - evidence the succession of another corporation to us and the assumption
       of our covenants and obligations by our successor;

     - add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of debt securities or
       surrender any of our rights or powers;

     - add additional events of default with respect to any series of debt
       securities;

     - add to or change any provisions of the indenture to such extent as
       necessary to facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form or
       to facilitate the issuance of debt securities in global form;

     - change or eliminate any provision of the indenture if such change or
       elimination does not affect any series of debt securities created prior
       to the execution of any such supplemental indenture that is entitled to
       the benefit of such provision;

     - secure the debt securities;

     - establish the form or terms of debt securities;

     - evidence and provide for successor trustees and/or to add to or change
       any provisions of the indenture to such extent as necessary to provide
       for or facilitate the appointment of a separate trustee or trustees for
       specific series of debt securities;

     - permit payment of principal, premium or interest in respect of debt
       securities in bearer form or coupons, if any, in the United States and
       other areas subject to its jurisdiction; or

     - correct or supplement any inconsistent provisions or make any other
       provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the
       indenture, provided that any such action does not adversely affect the
       interests of any holder of debt securities of any series. (Section 8.1 of
       each indenture.)

     Each indenture also contains provisions permitting us and the trustee, with
the consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series, to
execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing or
eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture or modifying the rights of
the holders of debt securities of that series. No supplemental indenture may,
without the consent of the holders of all of the affected debt securities, among
other things:

     - change the maturity of any debt securities;

     - change the currency in which such debt securities are payable;

     - reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or
       any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

     - change the manner in which the amount of any principal thereof or
       premium, if any, or interest thereon is determined;

     - impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
       such debt securities at maturity or upon redemption;

     - reduce the percentage of the outstanding principal amount of debt
       securities the holders of which must consent to any such supplemental
       indenture;

     - modify the indenture provisions concerning modification of the indenture
       or the waiver of past defaults or specified covenants other than to
       increase the required percentage to effect a modification or provide that
       additional provisions may not be waived without the consent of each
       holder of that series of debt securities; or

                                       21
<PAGE>   24

     - in the case of the subordinated indenture, modify the subordination
       provisions thereof in a manner adverse to the holders of junior
       subordinated debt securities then outstanding. (Section 8.2 of each
       indenture.)

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF THE INDENTURES; DEFEASANCE

     Each indenture shall generally cease to be of any further effect with
respect to a series of debt securities when:

     - we have delivered to the trustee for cancellation all debt securities of
       that series or

     - all debt securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the
       trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by
       their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called
       for redemption within one year, and we shall have deposited with the
       trustee as trust funds the entire amount sufficient to pay at maturity or
       upon redemption all debt securities of that series (and if, in either
       case, we shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under
       the indenture by us in respect of all debt securities of that series and
       deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of
       counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent in the indenture have
       been complied with) and we shall have made any other payments due under
       the indenture and delivered to the trustee an officer's certificate and
       opinion of counsel saying that we have fulfilled each of the conditions
       mentioned above. (Section 4.1 of each indenture.)

     The trustee shall hold in trust all money deposited with it as described
above and shall apply the deposited money, in accordance with the provisions of
the debt securities of the defeased series and the indenture, to the payment,
either directly or through any paying agent, as the trustee may determine, to
the persons entitled thereto, of principal, premium, if any and any interest for
whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the trustee.
(Section 4.2 of each indenture.)

RECORD DATES

     We will generally be entitled to set any date as the record date for the
purpose of determining the holders of debt securities entitled to give or take
any action under either indenture in the manner specified in such indenture. If
a record date is set, action may only be taken by persons who are holders of
debt securities on the record date. Also, unless otherwise specified in the
prospectus supplement applicable to a series of debt securities, to be
effective, any action must become effective under the applicable indenture
within six months of the record date. (Section 1.4(f) of each indenture.)

NOTICE

     Notices to holders of debt securities will be given by mail to the
addresses of holders appearing in the applicable securities register. We and the
trustee may treat the person in whose name a debt security is registered as the
owner thereof for all purposes. (Sections 1.6 and 3.8 of each indenture.)

GOVERNING LAW

     Each indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. (Section 1.11 of each
indenture.)

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR TRANSFER OF ASSETS

     Each indenture provides that we may not merge or consolidate with or into
any other corporation or other entity or lease or transfer all or substantially
all of our assets, unless:

     - the entity formed by or surviving such consolidation or merger or to
       which the lease or transfer is made is a corporation organized under the
       laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
       and

     - immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event
       of default exists.
                                       22
<PAGE>   25

     We must deliver to the trustee prior to such transaction an officer's
certificate to the foregoing effect and an opinion of counsel stating that such
transaction and supplemental indenture complies with the indenture and that all
conditions precedent under the indenture to the consummation of such transaction
have been met.

     Upon any such consolidation, merger or transfer, the successor corporation
formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or to which such
transfer is made shall succeed to and be substituted for us under the indenture.
(Section 7.1 of each indenture.)

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEES

     First Union National Bank, which is the senior indenture trustee under the
senior indenture and the subordinated indenture trustee under the subordinated
indenture, also serves as the property trustee for each trust and the guarantee
trustee under each preferred securities guarantee described below. It is an
affiliate of First Union Trust Company, N.A., which serves as the Delaware
trustee for each trust.

     We may from time to time maintain credit facilities and have other
customary banking relationships with First Union National Bank.

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES

  Ranking

     Senior debt securities will be direct, unconditional and unsecured
obligations of Phelps Dodge and, except for certain debts required to be
preferred by law will rank equal among themselves and equally with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Phelps Dodge. The senior debt
securities will rank senior to subordinated obligations of Phelps Dodge,
including any subordinated debt securities.

PROVISIONS APPLICABLE ONLY TO JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES

  Subordination

     In the subordinated indenture, Phelps Dodge has agreed that any junior
subordinated debt securities issued thereunder are subordinated in right of
payment to all senior indebtedness, as defined below, to the extent provided in
the subordinated indenture.

     In the event of any:

     - insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization,
       readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding relating to Phelps
       Dodge, its creditors or its property,

     - any proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of
       Phelps Dodge, voluntary or involuntary, whether or not involving
       insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings,

     - any assignment by Phelps Dodge for the benefit of creditors, or

     - any other marshalling of the assets of Phelps Dodge,

the holders of senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full
on such senior indebtedness before the holders of junior subordinated debt
securities will be entitled to receive or retain any payment on the junior
subordinated debt securities. (Section 12.3 and 12.5 of the subordinated
indenture.)

     No payments on account of the junior subordinated debt securities or
interest thereon may be made if:

     - Phelps Dodge defaults in any payment with respect to senior indebtedness;
       or

     - an event of default occurs with respect to any senior indebtedness
       resulting in the acceleration of the maturity of the senior indebtedness.

     For purposes of the subordination provisions, the payment, issuance and
delivery of cash, property or securities, other than shares and certain
subordinated securities of Phelps Dodge, upon conversion of any junior
subordinated debt security will be deemed to constitute payment on account of
the principal of such junior subordinated debt security. (Section 12.13 of the
subordinated indenture.)
                                       23
<PAGE>   26

     When we use the term "senior indebtedness" we mean the principal, premium,
if any, and interest on:

     - all indebtedness of Phelps Dodge, whether outstanding on the date of the
       subordinated indenture or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, that
       is for borrowed money, or evidenced by a note or similar instrument given
       in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets,
       including securities;

     - any indebtedness of any other person of the kind described in the
       preceding bullet for the payment of which Phelps Dodge is responsible or
       liable as guarantor or otherwise; and

     - amendments, renewals, extensions and refundings of any such indebtedness;

provided, however, that senior indebtedness does not include indebtedness
incurred for the purchase of goods or materials or for services obtained in the
ordinary course of business or any indebtedness which by its express terms is
equal with or subordinated to the junior subordinated debt securities. (Section
12.2 of the subordinated indenture.)

     The subordinated indenture provides that the foregoing subordination
provisions, insofar as they relate to any particular issue of junior
subordinated debt securities, may be changed prior to such issuance. Any such
change would be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such junior
subordinated debt securities. (Section 3.1 of the subordinated indenture.)

                                       24
<PAGE>   27

                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     The preferred securities of each trust will be issued pursuant to a trust
agreement for that trust, as subsequently amended and restated, among Phelps
Dodge, the issuer of the related junior subordinated debt securities, First
Union National Bank, as the property trustee, and First Union Trust Company,
N.A., as the Delaware trustee, the three administrative trustees and the holders
from time to time of the applicable trust's preferred and common securities. We
summarize below all of the material features of the preferred securities. The
summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by all of the
provisions of the applicable trust agreements and forms of each amended and
restated trust agreement. Those documents are filed as exhibits to the
registration statement that includes this prospectus, and we encourage you to
read them. You also may request a copy of the trust agreements from the property
trustee at its corporate trust office in New York, New York. Each trust
agreement will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The terms of
the preferred securities of each trust will include those stated in the
applicable trust agreement and those made part of the trust agreement by
reference to the Trust Indenture Act. The amended and restated trust agreement
for each trust will be executed at the time the trust issues any preferred
securities and will be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K or by a post-effective
amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. You
should also read the applicable prospectus supplement, which will contain
additional information and may update or change some of the information below.

GENERAL

     The trust agreement for each trust authorizes the administrative trustees
to issue on behalf of the trust preferred securities that have the terms
described in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement. The
preferred securities will represent undivided beneficial interests in the assets
of the applicable trust. The proceeds from the sale of each trust's preferred
and common securities will be used by the trust to purchase a series of junior
subordinated debt securities issued by Phelps Dodge. The junior subordinated
debt securities will be held in trust by the property trustee for the benefit of
the holders of the preferred and common securities of the applicable trust.

     The terms of the preferred securities of each trust will mirror the terms
of the junior subordinated debt securities held by the applicable trust. If
interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities held by the
applicable trust are deferred as described below, distributions on the preferred
securities will also be deferred. The assets of the trust available for
distribution to the holders of its preferred securities generally will be
limited to payments under the series of junior subordinated debt securities held
by the trust.

     Under the preferred securities guarantee for each trust, Phelps Dodge will
agree to make payments of distributions and payments on redemption or
liquidation with respect to the trust's preferred securities, but only to the
extent the trust has funds available to make those payments and has not made the
payments. Phelps Dodge's obligations under the applicable preferred securities
guarantee, trust agreement, subordinated indenture and related junior
subordinated debt securities will provide a full, irrevocable and unconditional
commitment by Phelps Dodge regarding amounts due on the preferred securities
issued by each trust.

     The prospectus supplement relating to the preferred securities of each
trust will describe the specific terms of the preferred securities, including:

     - the name of the preferred securities;

     - the dollar amount and number of preferred securities issued;

     - the annual distribution rate, or method of determining the rate, of
       distributions on the preferred securities, and date or dates from which
       any distributions will accrue;

     - the payment date and the record date used to determine the holders who
       are to receive distributions on the preferred securities;

     - the right, if any, to defer distributions on the preferred securities
       upon extension of the interest payment periods of the related junior
       subordinated debt securities;

                                       25
<PAGE>   28

     - the applicable trust's obligation, if any, to redeem or purchase the
       preferred securities and the terms and conditions on which the preferred
       securities may be redeemed or purchased pursuant to any obligation;

     - the terms and conditions, if any, on which the preferred securities may
       be redeemed at the applicable trust's option or at the option of the
       holders;

     - the terms and conditions, if any, on which preferred securities may be
       converted or exchanged;

     - the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the related junior
       subordinated debt securities may be distributed to holders of the
       preferred securities;

     - the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the preferred securities;

     - whether the preferred securities are to be issued in book-entry form and
       represented by one or more global securities and, if so, the depository
       and any provisions for the transfer or exchange of the global securities,
       if different from those described below under "-- Global Securities"; and

     - any other relevant rights, preferences, privileges, limitations or
       restrictions of the preferred securities.

     The applicable prospectus supplement will describe all of the material
United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the particular
series of preferred securities being offered.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

     Some or all of the preferred securities of a series may be represented in
whole or in part by one or more global securities deposited with or on behalf of
one or more depositaries. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the
terms of any depositary arrangement. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement
states otherwise, the following provisions will apply to all depositary
arrangements for any preferred securities represented by global securities.

     Preferred securities represented by a global security deposited with or on
behalf of a depositary will be registered in the name of that depositary or its
nominee. Upon the issuance of a global security in registered form, the
depositary for the global security will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the preferred
securities represented by the global security to the accounts of institutions
that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee. These institutions are
generally brokers, dealers, banks and other financial institutions and are often
referred to as participants. The accounts to be credited will be designated by
the underwriters or agents of the preferred securities or by the applicable
trust, if the preferred securities are offered and sold directly by the trust.
Ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be limited to
participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Any person
who holds a brokerage account with a participant may purchase the preferred
securities through the participant.

     Ownership of beneficial interests by participants in the global securities
will be shown on, and the transfer of any ownership interest will be effected
only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee for the global
security. Ownership of beneficial interests in global securities by persons that
hold through participants will be effected only through records maintained by
the applicable participant. Some insurance companies and other institutions are
required by law to hold their investment securities in definitive form, so an
investor may not be able to sell its preferred securities to those entities.

     So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global security, the depositary or the nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the preferred
securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the
applicable trust agreement. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in the global security will not be entitled to have the preferred
securities represented by the global security registered in their names, will
not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the preferred
securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
of the preferred securities under the applicable trust agreement.

                                       26
<PAGE>   29


     Payments on preferred securities registered in the name of or held by a
depositary or its nominee will be made in immediately available funds to the
depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner or the
holder of the global security representing the preferred securities. None of
Phelps Dodge, the trusts, the property trustee, the Delaware trustee, any
administrative trustee, any paying agent or the registrar and transfer agent for
the preferred securities will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial
ownership interests in a global security for the preferred securities or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial
ownership interests.


     We expect that a depositary for the preferred securities of a series, upon
receipt of any payments in respect of a global security, will immediately credit
participants' accounts with payment in amounts proportionate to their respective
beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on
the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through the
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered
in "street name," and will be the responsibility of each participant.

     So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the
registered owner of the global security, the depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, will be entitled to direct the actions of the property trustee upon
an event of default. However, we expect that a depositary for the preferred
securities of a series, upon receiving notice of an event of default, will
immediately solicit the participants regarding any action to be taken. We also
expect that the participants will act in accordance with standing instructions
and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers registered in "street name," and will, in turn, solicit
the owners of the beneficial interests regarding any action to be taken upon any
event of default.

     A global security may not be transferred, in whole or in part, except by
the depositary for the global security, to a nominee of the depositary or by a
nominee of the depositary to the depositary or another nominee of the depositary
or by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or a nominee of
the successor depositary. If a depositary for the preferred securities of a
series is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a
qualified successor depositary is not appointed by the administrative trustees
within 90 days or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act when the depositary is required to be
registered to act as the depositary and no qualified successor is appointed by
the administrative trustees within 90 days or if an event of default has
occurred and is continuing, then the applicable trust will issue the preferred
securities in definitive registered form in exchange for the global security or
global securities representing the preferred securities. In addition, the
administrative trustees may, at any time, determine not to have any preferred
securities represented by one or more global securities and, in that event, the
applicable trust will issue the preferred securities in definitive registered
form in exchange for the global securities representing the preferred
securities. In any of these instances, an owner of a beneficial interest in a
global security will be entitled to physical delivery in definitive form of the
preferred securities represented by the global security equal in principal
amount to its beneficial interest and to have the preferred securities
registered in its name.

LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION

     Unless otherwise specified in an applicable prospectus supplement, each
trust agreement will provide that the trust will be dissolved:

     - upon the expiration of the term of the trust;

     - upon the bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of Phelps Dodge;

     - upon the direction of Phelps Dodge to the property trustee to dissolve
       the trust and distribute the related junior subordinated debt securities
       directly to the holders of the preferred and common securities of the
       trust;

     - upon the redemption of all of the common and preferred securities of the
       trust in connection with the redemption of all of the related junior
       subordinated debt securities; or
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<PAGE>   30

     - upon entry of a court order for the dissolution of the trust.

     Unless otherwise specified in an applicable prospectus supplement, in the
event of a dissolution as described above other than in connection with
redemption, after the trust satisfies all liabilities to its creditors as
provided by applicable law, each holder of the preferred or common securities of
a trust will be entitled to receive:

     - the related junior subordinated debt securities in an aggregate principal
       amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred or
       common securities held by the holder; or

     - if any distribution of the related junior subordinated debt securities is
       determined by the property trustee not to be practical, cash equal to the
       aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred or common securities held
       by the holder, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of
       payment.

     If a trust cannot pay the full amount due on its preferred and common
securities because insufficient assets are available for payment, then the
amounts payable by the trust on its preferred and common securities will be paid
on a pro rata basis. However, if an event of default under the subordinated
indenture has occurred and is continuing with respect to any related junior
subordinated debt securities, the total amounts due on the preferred securities
of the trust will be paid before any distribution on the common securities of
the trust is made.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     The following will be events of default under each trust agreement:

     - an event of default under the subordinated indenture occurs with respect
       to any related junior subordinated debt securities;

     - the trust fails to pay any redemption price on any preferred securities
       on its due date;

     - the trust fails to pay any distribution on the preferred securities
       within 30 days from its due date;

     - the trustees fail to perform any of the covenants in the trust agreement,
       other than the covenants in the two prior bullet points, for 30 days
       after the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate liquidation amount of
       the outstanding preferred securities give Phelps Dodge and the trustees
       written notice of the default and require that they remedy the breach
       (however, the 30-day period may be extended by the holders of at least
       the same aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred
       securities that had initially given notice of the default); or

     - the property trustee files for bankruptcy or other events of bankruptcy,
       insolvency or reorganization occur with respect to the property trustee
       and a successor property trustee is not appointed within 90 days.

     If an event of default with respect to related junior subordinated debt
securities occurs and is continuing under the subordinated indenture, and the
subordinated indenture trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal
amount of the related junior subordinated debt securities outstanding fail to
declare the unpaid principal of and all other amounts with respect to all of the
related junior subordinated debt securities to be immediately due and payable,
the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding
preferred securities will have the right to declare the unpaid principal of and
all other amounts with respect to the related junior subordinated debt
securities immediately due and payable by providing notice to Phelps Dodge, the
property trustee and the subordinated indenture trustee.

     At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made with respect
to a series of related junior subordinated debt securities and before a judgment
or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a
majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities may rescind
any declaration of acceleration with respect to the related junior subordinated
debt securities and its consequences:

     - if Phelps Dodge deposits with the subordinated indenture trustee funds
       sufficient to pay all overdue principal of and premium, interest and
       additional amounts on the related junior subordinated debt

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<PAGE>   31

       securities and any other amounts due to the subordinated indenture
       trustee and the property trustee; and

     - if all existing events of default with respect to the related junior
       subordinated debt securities have been cured or waived except non-payment
       of principal on the related junior subordinated debt securities that has
       become due solely because of the acceleration.

     The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities
of a trust may waive any past default under the subordinated indenture with
respect to the related junior subordinated debt securities, other than a default
in any payment on any related junior subordinated debt securities or a default
with respect to a covenant or provision that cannot be amended or modified
without the consent of the holder of each outstanding related junior
subordinated debt security affected. In addition, the holders of at least a
majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities of a trust may waive
any past default under the trust agreement.

     The holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities
of a trust shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceedings for any remedy available to the property trustee or
to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred on the property trustee
under the applicable trust agreement.

     A holder of preferred securities of a trust may institute a legal
proceeding directly against Phelps Dodge without first instituting a legal
proceeding against the property trustee or any other person or entity, for
enforcement of payment to the holder of the principal of and any premium,
interest or additional amounts on related junior subordinated debt securities
having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the
preferred securities of the holder if Phelps Dodge fails to pay any amounts on
the related junior subordinated debt securities when payable. Phelps Dodge and
the subordinated indenture trustee may not amend or modify the subordinated
indenture to eliminate the preferred securities holders' right to institute a
direct legal action without the consent of the holders of each outstanding
preferred security.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT

     If an event occurs which is or would become an event of default with
respect to any preferred securities, and the property trustee knows of the
event, the property trustee shall mail to the holders of the affected preferred
securities a notice of the default within 90 days, unless the default has been
cured or waived by the holders of the affected preferred securities. However,
except in the case of a default in the payment of any amounts due on preferred
securities, the property trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the
directors and/or responsible officers of the property trustee determine in good
faith that withholding the notice is in the interest of the holders of the
affected preferred securities.

     Phelps Dodge and the administrative trustees of each trust are required to
furnish annually to the property trustee an officers' certificate to the effect
that, to the best knowledge of the officers providing the certificate, it is not
in default under the applicable trust agreement or, if there has been a default,
specifying the default and its status.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR AMALGAMATION OF THE TRUST

     None of the trusts may consolidate or merge with or into, or be replaced by
or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any entity, except as described below. A trust may, without the
consent of the holders of the outstanding preferred securities, consolidate or
merge with or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized under
the laws of any state if:

     - the successor entity either:

       - expressly assumes all of the obligations of the trust relating to its
         preferred securities; or

       - substitutes for the trust's preferred securities other securities
         having substantially the same terms as the preferred securities, so
         long as the substituted successor securities rank the same as the
         preferred securities for distributions and payments upon liquidation,
         redemption and otherwise;
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<PAGE>   32

     - a trustee of the successor entity who has substantially the same powers
       and duties as the property trustee of the trust is appointed;

     - the preferred securities are listed or traded, or any substituted
       successor securities will be listed upon notice of issuance, on the same
       national securities exchange or other organization on which the preferred
       securities are then listed or traded;

     - the event does not cause the preferred securities or any substituted
       successor securities to be downgraded by any national rating agency;

     - the event does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and
       privileges of the holders of the preferred securities or any substituted
       successor securities in any material respect;

     - the successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the
       trust;

     - prior to the merger event, Phelps Dodge has received an opinion of
       counsel from a nationally recognized law firm stating that:

       - the event does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and
         privileges of the holders of the trust's preferred securities or any
         successor securities in any material respect;

       - following the event, neither the trust nor the successor entity will be
         required to register as an investment company under the Investment
         Company Act of 1940; and

       - neither the trust nor the successor entity will be taxable as a
         corporation or classified other than as a grantor trust for United
         States federal income tax purposes; and

     - Phelps Dodge or its permitted transferee owns all of the common
       securities of the successor entity and the substituted successor
       securities are guaranteed at least to the extent provided under the
       preferred securities guarantee.

     In addition, unless all of the holders of the preferred securities of a
trust approve otherwise, the trust may not consolidate, amalgamate, merge with
or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other
entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into or replace it if the
transaction would cause the trust or the successor entity to be taxable as a
corporation or classified other than as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.

VOTING RIGHTS

     Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the holders of the
preferred securities of a trust will have no voting rights except as discussed
below and under "-- Events of Default," "-- Amendment of the Trust Agreement,"
"-- Removal and Replacement of Trustees" and "Description of the Preferred
Securities Guarantees -- Amendments and Assignment," and as otherwise required
by law.

     If any proposed amendment to a trust agreement provides for, or the
administrative trustees of a trust otherwise propose to effect:

     - any action that would adversely affect the powers, preferences or special
       rights of the preferred securities of the trust in any material respect,
       whether by way of amendment to the applicable trust agreement or
       otherwise; or

     - the dissolution, winding-up or termination of the trust other than
       pursuant to the terms of the applicable trust agreement,

then the holders of the preferred securities of the trust as a class will be
entitled to vote on the amendment or proposal. In that case, the amendment or
proposal will be effective only if approved by the holders of at least a
majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities of the
trust.

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<PAGE>   33

     Without obtaining the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority
in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities of a trust, the
trustees of a trust may not:

     - direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
       remedy available to the subordinated indenture trustee for any related
       junior subordinated debt securities or direct the exercise of any trust
       or power conferred on the property trustee with respect to the preferred
       securities of the trust;

     - waive any default that is waivable under the subordinated indenture with
       respect to any related junior subordinated debt securities;

     - cancel an acceleration of the principal of any related junior
       subordinated debt securities; or

     - consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the subordinated
       indenture or any related junior subordinated debt securities where
       consent is required.

However, if a consent under the subordinated indenture requires the consent of
each affected holder of the related junior subordinated debt securities, then
the property trustee must obtain the prior consent of each holder of the
preferred securities of the trust. In addition, before taking any of the
foregoing actions, the property trustee shall obtain an opinion of counsel
experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of such actions, the
trust will not be taxable as a corporation or classified as other than a grantor
trust for United States federal income tax purposes. The property trustee will
notify all preferred securities holders of the trust of any notice of default
received from the subordinated indenture trustee with respect to the junior
subordinated debt securities held by the trust. Any required approval of the
holders of the preferred securities of a trust may be given at a meeting of the
holders of the preferred securities convened for the purpose or pursuant to
written consent.

     The property trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of
securities are entitled to vote to be given to each holder of record of the
preferred securities at the holder's registered address, or to any other address
which has been specified in writing, at least 15 days and not more than 90 days
before the meeting.

     Notwithstanding that the holders of the preferred securities of a trust are
entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any
of the preferred securities that are owned by Phelps Dodge, the trustees of the
trust or any affiliate of Phelps Dodge or any trustees of the trust, shall, for
purposes of any vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

AMENDMENT OF THE TRUST AGREEMENT

     Each trust agreement may be amended from time to time by Phelps Dodge, the
property trustee and the administrative trustees of the trust without the
consent of the holders of the preferred securities of the trust to:

     - cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision which may be
       inconsistent with any other provision or make provisions not inconsistent
       with any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising
       under the applicable trust agreement;

     - modify, eliminate or add to any provisions to the extent necessary to
       ensure that the trust will not be taxable as a corporation or classified
       as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax
       purposes, to ensure that the junior subordinated debt securities held by
       the trust are treated as indebtedness for United States federal income
       tax purposes or to ensure that the trust will not be required to register
       as an investment company under the Investment Company Act; or

     - add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of Phelps Dodge, in
       each case to the extent that the amendment does not adversely affect the
       interests of any holder of the preferred securities of the trust in any
       material respect.

     Other amendments to a trust agreement may be made by Phelps Dodge, the
property trustee and the administrative trustees of a trust upon approval of the
holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the
outstanding preferred securities of the trust and receipt by the trustees of an
opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not cause the trust to
be taxable as a corporation or classified as other
                                       31
<PAGE>   34

than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, affect the
treatment of the junior subordinated debt securities held by the trust as
indebtedness for United States federal income tax purposes or affect the trust's
exemption from the Investment Company Act.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of each affected holder
of common or preferred securities of a trust, the applicable trust agreement may
not be amended to:

     - change the amount or timing of any distribution on the common or
       preferred securities of the trust or otherwise adversely affect the
       amount of any distribution required to be made in respect of the
       securities as of a specified date;

     - restrict the right of a holder of any securities to institute suit for
       the enforcement of any payment on or after the distribution date; or

     - reduce the percentage of preferred securities required to waive
       compliance with provisions of or defaults under the trust agreement.

     In addition, no amendment may be made to a trust agreement if the amendment
would:

     - cause the applicable trust to be taxable as a corporation or
       characterized as other than a grantor trust for United States federal
       income tax purposes;

     - cause the junior subordinated debt securities held by the applicable
       trust to not be treated as indebtedness for United States federal income
       tax purposes;

     - cause the applicable trust to be deemed to be an investment company
       required to be registered under the Investment Company Act; or

     - impose any additional obligation on any trustee of the applicable trust
       without its consent.

REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER

     If the preferred securities of a series are to be redeemed, the applicable
trust will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any preferred
security selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed
portion of a preferred security being redeemed in part.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENT

     Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, distributions
on the preferred securities will be payable, at the applicable trust's option,
(1) by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the distribution as
the address appears in the security register for the preferred securities or (2)
by wire transfer to an account specified by the holder in accordance with
procedures established by the administrative trustees and acceptable to the
paying agent. Payments upon the redemption of the preferred securities will be
paid only against surrender of the preferred securities.

     Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the property
trustee will act as paying agent for the preferred securities, and the principal
corporate trust office of the property trustee will serve as the office through
which the paying agent acts. The applicable trust may designate additional
paying agents, rescind the designation of any paying agents and/or approve a
change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     For matters relating to compliance with the Trust Indenture Act, the
property trustee will have all of the duties and responsibilities of an
indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act.

     First Union National Bank, which is the property trustee for each trust,
also serves as the guarantee trustee under each preferred securities guarantee
described below, the senior indenture trustee under the senior indenture and the
subordinated indenture trustee under the subordinated indenture. It is an
affiliate of First Union Trust Company, N.A., which serves as the Delaware
trustee for each trust.
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<PAGE>   35

     Phelps Dodge may from time to time maintain credit facilities and have
other customary banking relationships with First Union National Bank.

MISCELLANEOUS

     The administrative trustees of each trust are authorized and directed to
conduct the affairs of and to operate the trust in such a way that:

     - it will not be taxable as a corporation or classified as other than a
       grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes;

     - the junior subordinated debt securities held by it will be treated as
       indebtedness of Phelps Dodge for United States federal income tax
       purposes; and

     - it will not be deemed to be an investment company required to be
       registered under the Investment Company Act.

     Phelps Dodge and the trustees of each trust are authorized to take any
action, so long as it is consistent with applicable law, the applicable
certificate of trust or trust agreement, that Phelps Dodge and the trustees of
the trust determine to be necessary or desirable for the above purposes.

     Holders of the preferred securities of the trusts have no preemptive or
similar rights.

     None of the trusts may incur indebtedness or place a lien on any of its
assets.

GOVERNING LAW

     Each trust agreement and the preferred securities of each trust will be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware,
without regard to the conflict of laws provisions thereof.

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<PAGE>   36

               DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

     Phelps Dodge's preferred securities guarantee for each trust will be issued
pursuant to a guarantee between Phelps Dodge and First Union National Bank, as
the guarantee trustee. We summarize below all of the material features of the
preferred securities guarantees. The summary is not complete and is qualified in
its entirety by all of the provisions of the form of the applicable guarantees.
That document is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes
this prospectus, and we encourage you to read it. Each guarantee will be
qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The terms of each preferred
securities guarantee will include those stated in the applicable guarantee and
those made part of the guarantee by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. Each
guarantee will be executed at the time any trust issues any preferred securities
and will be filed with the SEC on a Form 8-K or by a post-effective amendment to
the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

     Each guarantee will be held by the guarantee trustee for the benefit of the
holders of the preferred securities of the applicable trust.

GENERAL

     Phelps Dodge will irrevocably and unconditionally agree to pay in full to
the holders of the preferred securities of each trust the guarantee payments
described below, except to the extent previously paid. Phelps Dodge will pay the
guarantee payments when and as due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off
or counterclaim that the applicable trust may have or assert. The following
payments, to the extent not paid by a trust, will be covered by the applicable
preferred securities guarantee:

     - any accumulated and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the
       preferred securities of the trust, to the extent that the trust has funds
       available to make the payment;

     - the redemption price, including all accumulated and unpaid distributions,
       to the extent that the trust has funds available to make the payment; and

     - upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, termination, winding-up or
       liquidation of the trust, other than in connection with a distribution of
       related junior subordinated debt securities to holders of the preferred
       securities, the lesser of:

      - the aggregate of the liquidation amounts specified in the prospectus
        supplement for each preferred security of the trust plus all accumulated
        and unpaid distributions on the preferred security of the trust to the
        date of payment, to the extent the trust has funds available to make the
        payment; and

      - the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for distribution
        to holders of its preferred securities upon liquidation of the trust.

     Phelps Dodge's obligation to make a guarantee payment with respect to the
preferred securities of a trust may be satisfied by directly paying the required
amounts to the holders of the preferred securities of the trust or by causing
the trust to pay the amounts to the holders.

     Each preferred securities guarantee will be subject to the subordination
provisions described below and will not apply to the payment of distributions
and other payments on the preferred securities of a trust when the trust does
not have sufficient funds legally and immediately available to make the
distributions or other payments.

ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS

     Phelps Dodge will make all payments under each of its preferred securities
guarantees without withholding or deduction for any taxes, fees, duties,
assessments or governmental charges imposed or levied by New York or any other
jurisdiction in which Phelps Dodge or any successor is organized or resident for
tax purposes or any political subdivision or taxing authority of New York or any
of those other jurisdictions. If any withholding or deduction is required by
law, Phelps Dodge will pay to the holder of the preferred securities additional
amounts as may be necessary so that every net payment made to the holder after
the withholding or

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<PAGE>   37

deduction will not be less than the amount provided for in the applicable
preferred securities guarantee. Phelps Dodge will not be required to pay any
additional amounts as a result of:

     - the imposition of any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge
       that would not have been imposed but for the fact that the holder or
       beneficial owner of the preferred securities was a resident or national
       of or had other specified connections with the relevant taxing authority
       or presented the preferred securities for payment in the relevant taxing
       jurisdiction unless it could not have been presented elsewhere;

     - the imposition of any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge
       that would not have been imposed but for the fact that the holder or
       beneficial owner of the preferred securities presented the preferred
       security for payment more than 30 days after it was due and payable;

     - any estate, inheritance, gift, sale or other similar tax, assessment or
       governmental charge; or

     - the imposition of any tax, fee, duty, assessment or governmental charge
       that would not have been imposed but for the fact that the holder or
       beneficial owner of the preferred securities failed to comply, within 90
       days, with any reasonable request by Phelps Dodge addressed to the holder
       or beneficial owner relating to the provision of information or the
       making of a declaration required by the taxing jurisdiction as a
       precondition to exemption from all or part of the tax, fee, duty,
       assessment or governmental charge.

SUBORDINATION

     Each preferred securities guarantee will be unsecured indebtedness of
Phelps Dodge and will be subordinated in right of payment to all of Phelps
Dodge's existing and future senior indebtedness. Each preferred securities
guarantee will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of Phelps
Dodge to the extent of the value of the assets securing the secured
indebtedness. Each preferred securities guarantee will also rank equally with
any other preferred securities guarantee issued by Phelps Dodge. As a result, in
the event of Phelps Dodge's bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or upon an
event of default under any of its preferred securities guarantees, Phelps
Dodge's assets will be available to pay its obligations on the preferred
securities guarantee only after all secured and senior indebtedness of Phelps
Dodge has been paid in full in cash or other payment satisfactory to the holders
of the secured and senior indebtedness has been made. There may not be
sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of its the
preferred securities guarantees. Each preferred securities guarantee will also
be effectively subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of Phelps
Dodge's subsidiaries. The incurrence of additional secured and senior
indebtedness and other liabilities by Phelps Dodge or its subsidiaries could
adversely affect Phelps Dodge's ability to pay its obligations on the preferred
securities guarantees.

     Each preferred securities guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment
and not of collection. This means that the holder of the guaranteed security may
sue Phelps Dodge to enforce its rights under the preferred securities guarantee
without first suing any other person or entity.

AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT

     No consent of the holders of the preferred securities of a trust will be
required with respect to any changes to the preferred securities guarantee that
do not adversely affect the rights of the holders of the preferred securities of
the applicable trust in any material respect. Other amendments to the preferred
securities guarantee may be made only with the prior approval of the holders of
at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities
of the applicable trust. All guarantees and agreements contained in the
preferred securities guarantee will be binding on Phelps Dodge's successors,
assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives and are for the benefit of the
holders of the preferred securities of the applicable trust.

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<PAGE>   38

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     An event of default under a preferred securities guarantee occurs if Phelps
Dodge:

     - fails to make any required payments; or

     - fails to perform any of its other obligations under the preferred
       securities guarantee and such failure continues for 30 days.

     The holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the
preferred securities of a trust will have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee
trustee relating to the preferred securities guarantee of the trust or to direct
the exercise of any trust or power given to the guarantee trustee under the
preferred securities guarantee of the trust.

     If and to the extent that Phelps Dodge does not make payments on the
related junior subordinated debt securities the trust will not have funds
available to make payments of distributions or other amounts due on its
preferred securities. In those circumstances, a holder of the preferred
securities of the trust will not be able to rely upon the applicable preferred
securities guarantee for payment of these amounts. Instead, the holder may
directly sue Phelps Dodge under the junior subordinated debt securities to
collect its pro rata share of payments owed. If a holder so sues Phelps Dodge to
collect payment, then Phelps Dodge will assume the holder's rights as a holder
of preferred securities under the applicable trust agreement to the extent
Phelps Dodge makes a payment to the holder in any legal action.

     The holders of at least a majority in liquidation amount of preferred
securities of a trust may waive any past event of default and its consequences.

INFORMATION CONCERNING GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

     For matters relating to compliance with the Trust Indenture Act, the
guarantee trustee will have all of the duties and responsibilities of an
indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. In case an event of default
shall occur and be continuing, the guarantee trustee must exercise the same
degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. Before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under any guarantee agreement at the direction of the holders of preferred
securities, the guarantee trustee will be entitled to receive from the holders
reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities
that it might incur.

     First Union National Bank, which is the guarantee trustee, also serves as
the property trustee for each trust, the senior indenture trustee under the
senior indenture and the subordinated indenture trustee under the subordinated
indenture. It is an affiliate of First Union Trust Company, N.A., which serves
as the Delaware trustee for each trust.

TERMINATION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

     Each preferred securities guarantee will terminate once the preferred
securities of the applicable trust are paid in full or redeemed in full or upon
distribution of the related junior subordinated debt securities to the holders
of the preferred securities of the trust in accordance with the applicable trust
agreement. Each preferred securities guarantee will continue to be effective or
will be reinstated if at any time any holder of preferred securities of the
applicable trust must restore payment of any sums paid under the preferred
securities or the preferred securities guarantee for the applicable trust.

GOVERNING LAW

     Each preferred securities guarantee will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the
conflict of laws provisions thereof.

                                       36
<PAGE>   39

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     Phelps Dodge may sell its common or preferred shares, its senior or junior
subordinated debt securities or its warrants, stock purchase contracts or stock
purchase units and each trust may sell its preferred securities in one or more
of the following ways from time to time:

     - through agents;

     - to or through underwriters;

     - through dealers; and

     - directly to purchasers.

     The prospectus supplement for each series of securities will set forth the
terms of the offering of those securities, including the name or names of any
underwriters or agents. The prospectus supplement for each series of securities
will also set forth the purchase price of the securities, the proceeds to Phelps
Dodge or the applicable trust from the sale, any underwriting discounts or
agency fees and other items constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation,
the initial public offering price, any discounts or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers and the securities exchange, if any, on which the
securities may be listed.

     If underwriters participate in selling the securities, the securities will
be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from
time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at
a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of
sale.

     Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, the
obligations of the underwriters to purchase any series of securities will be
subject to conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of the series of securities if any are purchased.

     Underwriters and agents may be entitled to indemnification against specific
civil liabilities under agreements entered into with Phelps Dodge and/or a
trust, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters and agents
may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, Phelps Dodge in the
ordinary course of business.

     Each series of securities other than common stock will be a new issue of
securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom
the securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in those
securities. However, those underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice.

                                    EXPERTS

     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, have audited Phelps
Dodge's consolidated financial statements and schedules included in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as set forth in their
report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the
registration statement that includes this prospectus. Phelps Dodge's financial
statements and schedules are incorporated by reference in reliance on
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's report, given on their authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.

                           VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

     Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, will pass upon the
validity of the preferred securities for Phelps Dodge and each trust. Debevoise
& Plimpton, New York, New York, will pass upon the validity of the common
shares, preferred shares, warrants, share purchase contracts or share purchase
units, senior debt securities, the junior subordinated debt securities and the
preferred securities guarantees for Phelps Dodge.

                                       37
<PAGE>   40

                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
SEC. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains
additional relevant information about Phelps Dodge and the trusts. The rules and
regulations of the SEC allow us to omit some of the information included in the
registration statement from this prospectus. In addition, Phelps Dodge files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange
Act. You can read and copy any of this information at the following locations of
the SEC:

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
    Public Reference Room          New York Regional Office        Chicago Regional Office
    450 Fifth Street, N.W.           7 World Trade Center              Citicorp Center
          Room 1024                       Suite 1300               500 West Madison Street
    Washington, D.C. 20549         New York, New York 10048               Suite 1400
                                                                 Chicago, Illinois 60661-2551
</TABLE>

     You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of
the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.

     The SEC also maintains an Internet web site that contains reports, proxy
statements and other information about issuers, like Phelps Dodge, that file
electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov. The
SEC file number for documents filed by Phelps Dodge under the Exchange Act is
1-82.

     Phelps Dodge common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and its
stock symbol is "PD." You can inspect reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning Phelps Dodge at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     The rules of the SEC allow us to incorporate by reference information into
this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a
part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will
automatically update and supersede this information. This prospectus
incorporates by reference the documents listed below:

          (a) Phelps Dodge's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1999;


          (b) Phelps Dodge's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters
     ended March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and September 30, 2000; and


          (c) all documents filed by Phelps Dodge pursuant to Section 13(a),
     13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus.

     You may request a copy of any filings referred to above (excluding
exhibits), at no cost, by contacting us at the following address: 2600 North
Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-3089, Attention: Vice President and
Corporate Secretary. Telephone requests may be directed to such person at (602)
234-8100.

                                       38
<PAGE>   41

                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

     The estimated expenses of issuance and distribution, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, to be borne by us are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.........  $198,000
Rating agency fees..........................................   185,000
Trustee fees and expenses...................................    20,000
Printing expenses...........................................    20,000
Legal fees and expenses.....................................   200,000
Accounting fees and expenses................................    50,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses..................................    10,000
Miscellaneous...............................................    17,000
                                                              --------
  Total.....................................................  $700,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.

     With certain limitations, Sections 721 through 726 of the Business
Corporation Law of the State of New York permit a corporation to indemnify any
of its directors or officers made, or threatened to be made, a party to an
action or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person was a director or
officer of such corporation unless a judgment or other final adjudication
adverse to the director or officer establishes that his or her acts were
committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate dishonesty
and were material to the cause of action so adjudicated, or that he or she
personally gained in fact financial profit or other advantage to which he or she
was not legally entitled.

     Our By-Laws provide that we shall indemnify any person made, or threatened
to be made, a party to an action or proceeding other than one by or in our right
to procure a judgment in our favor, whether civil or criminal, including an
action by or in the right of any other corporation, or any partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, which any of our
directors or officers served in any capacity at our request, by reason of the
fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was one of our directors or
officers, or is or was serving such other corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity,
against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with such action or proceeding, or any
appeal therein, provided that no indemnification may be made to or on behalf of
such person if (i) his acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of
his active and deliberate dishonesty and were material to such action or
proceeding or (ii) he personally gained in fact a financial profit or other
advantage to which he was not legally entitled.

     Our By-Laws also provide that we shall indemnify any person made, or
threatened to be made, a party to an action by or in our right to procure a
judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate,
is or was one of our directors or officers, or is or was serving at our request
as a director or officer of any other corporation, or of any partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, against judgments,
amounts paid in settlement and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in
connection with such action, or any appeal therein, provided that no
indemnification may be made to or on behalf of such person if (i) his acts were
committed in bad faith or were the result of his active and deliberate
dishonesty and were material to such action or (ii) he personally gained in fact
a financial profit or other advantage to which he was not legally entitled.

     We maintain, at our expense, insurance policies insuring our directors and
officers against certain liabilities which might be incurred by them in their
capacities as directors and officers including liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>   42

     Article SEVENTH of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation eliminates and
limits the personal liability of our directors for any breach of duty in their
capacity as directors to the fullest extent permitted by Section 402(b) of the
New York Business Corporation Law. Section 402(b) of the Business Corporation
Law referred to in Article SEVENTH permits New York corporations to eliminate or
limit the personal liability of directors to the corporation or its shareholders
for damages for any breach of duty in their capacity as such except liability
(i) of a director (a) whose acts or omissions were in bad faith, involved
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (b) who personally gained
a financial profit or other advantage to which he or she was not legally
entitled or (c) whose acts violated certain other provisions of New York law or
(ii) for acts or omissions prior to July 23, 1987.

     The underwriters or agents on whose behalf the agreements listed as
Exhibits 1.1-1.6 to this Registration Statement will be executed will agree in
those agreements to indemnify our directors, officers and controlling persons
against certain liabilities which might arise under the Securities Act of 1933
from information furnished to us by or on behalf of the underwriters or agents
for use in this Registration Statement.

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.


<TABLE>
<C>       <S>
  *1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Common Shares and Preferred
          Shares of Phelps Dodge).
  *1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Senior Debt Securities and
          Junior Subordinated Debt Securities of Phelps Dodge).
  *1.3    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Preferred Securities).
  *1.4    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Share Purchase Contracts of
          Phelps Dodge).
  *1.5    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Share Purchase Units of
          Phelps Dodge).
  *1.6    Form of Underwriting Agreement (Warrants of Phelps Dodge).
   3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Phelps Dodge
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Phelps Dodge's
          Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
          1999, filed with the SEC on August 13, 1999).
   3.2    By-Laws of Phelps Dodge, as amended effective November 1,
          2000, except Section 7 of Article II, which is effective as
          of the close of business on May 1, 2001 (incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Phelps Dodge's Quarterly Report
          on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, filed
          with the SEC on November 14, 2000).
 **3.3    Certificate of Trust of PD Capital Trust I.
 **3.4    Certificate of Trust of PD Capital Trust II.
   4.1    Indenture for Senior Debt Securities issued by Phelps Dodge
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Phelps Dodge's
          Registration Statement and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on
          Form S-3, Registration Nos. 33-44380 and 333-36415, filed
          with the SEC on September 25, 1997).
 **4.2    Subordinated Indenture for Junior Subordinated Debt
          Securities issued by Phelps Dodge.
   4.3    Forms of Senior Debt Security issued by Phelps Dodge
          (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Phelps Dodge's
          Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 10,
          1992 and Exhibit 2 to Phelps Dodge's Current Report on Form
          8-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 1992).
 **4.4    Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security issued by Phelps
          Dodge (included in Exhibit 4.2).
   4.5    Rights Agreement between Phelps Dodge and The Chase
          Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
          Phelps Dodge's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
          SEC on February 6, 1998).
 **4.6    Trust Agreement of PD Capital Trust I.
 **4.7    Trust Agreement of PD Capital Trust II.
 **4.8    Tripartite/Conversion Agreement (resignation and appointment
          of Indenture Trustee of Indenture for Senior Debt
          Securities).
</TABLE>


                                      II-2
<PAGE>   43

<TABLE>
<C>       <S>
 **4.9    Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PD Capital
          Trust I and PD Capital Trust II.
 **4.10   Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.9).
 **4.11   Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee of Phelps Dodge with
          respect to the preferred securities issued by PD Capital
          Trust I and PD Capital Trust II.
  *4.12   Form of Share Purchase Contract issued by Phelps Dodge.
  *4.13   Form of Warrant issued by Phelps Dodge.
  *4.14   Form of Warrant Agreement.
 **5.1    Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton.
 **5.2    Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. relating to PD
          Capital Trust I.
 **5.3    Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. relating to PD
          Capital Trust II.
  12.1    Statement of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  15.1    Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to
          unaudited interim financial information.
  23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.2    Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton (included in Exhibit 5.1).
**23.3    Consents of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in
          Exhibits 5.2 and 5.3).
**24.1    Powers of Attorney.
**25.1    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Trustee under the Indenture (Senior Debt Securities issued
          by Phelps Dodge).
**25.2    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture (Junior
          Subordinated Debt Securities issued by Phelps Dodge).
**25.3    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Property Trustee for the Amended and Restated Trust
          Agreement of PD Capital Trust I.
**25.4    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Property Trustee for the Amended and Restated Trust
          Agreement of PD Capital Trust II.
**25.5    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee of Phelps Dodge for
          the benefit of the holders of Preferred Securities of PD
          Capital Trust I.
**25.6    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
          Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee of Phelps Dodge for
          the benefit of the holders of Preferred Securities of PD
          Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>


---------------
 * To be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 601 of
   Regulation S-K.


**Previously filed.


                                      II-3
<PAGE>   44

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.

     The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

          (1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

             (a) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act;

             (b) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any
        increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes
        in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
        aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
        Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

             (c) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
        distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
        any material change to such information in the registration statement;

     provided, however, that (a) and (b) do not apply if the information
     required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
     is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the
     registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
     that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement;

          (2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
     new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
     the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof;

          (3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering;


          (4) that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each filing of Phelps Dodge's annual report pursuant to
     Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by
     reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
     registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
     offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
     bona fide offering thereof;



          (5) to file an application for the purpose of determining the
     eligibility of the trustees to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of
     the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations
     prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act;



          (6) that, for purposes of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed
     as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
     contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrants pursuant to Rule
     424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be
     part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared
     effective; and



          (7) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
     the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants
have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as

                                      II-4
<PAGE>   45

expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrants in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-5
<PAGE>   46

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Phelps Dodge
Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in Phoenix, Arizona on the 12th day of
January, 2001.


                                          PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION

                                          By: /s/   J. STEVEN WHISLER
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     J. Steven Whisler
                                                  Chairman, President and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated and on the 12th
day of January, 2001.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
                     ---------                                             -----
<C>                                                  <S>

               /s/ J. STEVEN WHISLER                 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Executive Officer)
                 J. Steven Whisler

                /s/ RAMIRO G. PERU                   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Financial Officer)
                  Ramiro G. Peru

              /s/ STANTON K. RIDEOUT                 Vice President and Controller
---------------------------------------------------    (Principal Accounting Officer)
                Stanton K. Rideout
</TABLE>

Robert N. Burt, Archie W. Dunham, William A. Franke, Paul Hazen, Manuel J.
Iraola, Marie L. Knowles, Robert D. Krebs, Southwood J. Morcott, Gordon R.
Parker, Directors

By: /s/  RAMIRO G. PERU
    ----------------------------
          Ramiro G. Peru,
          Attorney-in-Fact

                                      II-6
<PAGE>   47

                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each of PD
Capital Trust I and PD Capital Trust II certifies that it has reasonable grounds
to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Phoenix, Arizona,
on the 12th day of January, 2001.


                                          PD CAPITAL TRUST I
                                          By: Phelps Dodge Corporation as
                                          Depositor

                                          By: /s/  GREGORY W. STEVENS
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Gregory W. Stevens
                                            Vice President and Treasurer

                                          PD CAPITAL TRUST II
                                          By: Phelps Dodge Corporation as
                                          Depositor

                                          By: /s/  GREGORY W. STEVENS
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Gregory W. Stevens
                                            Vice President and Treasurer

                                      II-7
<PAGE>   48

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<C>      <S>
  *1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Common Shares and Preferred
         Shares of Phelps Dodge).

  *1.2   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Senior Debt Securities and
         Junior Subordinated Debt Securities of Phelps Dodge).
  *1.3   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Preferred Securities).
  *1.4   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Share Purchase Contracts of
         Phelps Dodge).
  *1.5   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Share Purchase Units of
         Phelps Dodge).
  *1.6   Form of Underwriting Agreement (Warrants of Phelps Dodge).
   3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Phelps Dodge
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Phelps Dodge's
         Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
         1999, filed with the SEC on August 13, 1999).
   3.2   By-Laws of Phelps Dodge, as amended effective November 1,
         2000, except Section 7 of Article II, which is effective as
         of the close of business on May 1, 2001 (incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Phelps Dodge's Quarterly Report
         on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, filed
         with the SEC on November 14, 2000).
 **3.3   Certificate of Trust of PD Capital Trust I.
 **3.4   Certificate of Trust of PD Capital Trust II.
   4.1   Indenture for Senior Debt Securities issued by Phelps Dodge
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Phelps Dodge's
         Registration Statement and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on
         Form S-3, Registration Nos. 33-44380 and 333-36415, filed
         with the SEC on September 25, 1997).
 **4.2   Subordinated Indenture for Junior Subordinated Debt
         Securities issued by Phelps Dodge.
   4.3   Forms of Senior Debt Security issued by Phelps Dodge
         (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Phelps Dodge's
         Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 10,
         1992 and Exhibit 2 to Phelps Dodge's Current Report on Form
         8-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 1992).
 **4.4   Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security issued by Phelps
         Dodge (included in Exhibit 4.2).
   4.5   Rights Agreement between Phelps Dodge and The Chase
         Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
         Phelps Dodge's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the
         SEC on February 6, 1998).
 **4.6   Trust Agreement of PD Capital Trust I.
 **4.7   Trust Agreement of PD Capital Trust II.
 **4.8   Tripartite/Conversion Agreement (resignation and appointment
         of Indenture Trustee of Indenture for Senior Debt
         Securities).
 **4.9   Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of PD Capital
         Trust I and PD Capital Trust II.
 **4.10  Form of Preferred Security (included in Exhibit 4.9).
 **4.11  Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee of Phelps Dodge with
         respect to the preferred securities issued by PD Capital
         Trust I and PD Capital Trust II.
  *4.12  Form of Share Purchase Contract issued by Phelps Dodge.
  *4.13  Form of Warrant issued by Phelps Dodge.
  *4.14  Form of Warrant Agreement.
 **5.1   Opinion of Debevoise & Plimpton.
 **5.2   Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. relating to PD
         Capital Trust I.
 **5.3   Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. relating to PD
         Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   49

<TABLE>
<C>      <S>
  12.1   Statement of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  15.1   Letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with respect to
         unaudited interim financial information.
  23.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
**23.2   Consent of Debevoise & Plimpton (included in Exhibit 5.1).
**23.3   Consents of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in
         Exhibits 5.2 and 5.3).
**24.1   Powers of Attorney.
**25.1   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Trustee under the Indenture (Senior Debt Securities issued
         by Phelps Dodge).
**25.2   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture (Junior
         Subordinated Debt Securities issued by Phelps Dodge).
**25.3   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Property Trustee for the Amended and Restated Trust
         Agreement of PD Capital Trust I.
**25.4   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Property Trustee for the Amended and Restated Trust
         Agreement of PD Capital Trust II.
**25.5   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee of Phelps Dodge for
         the benefit of the holders of Preferred Securities of PD
         Capital Trust I.
**25.6   Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
         Indenture Act of 1939 of First Union National Bank, as
         Guarantee Trustee under the Guarantee of Phelps Dodge for
         the benefit of the holders of Preferred Securities of PD
         Capital Trust II.
</TABLE>


---------------
 * To be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 8-K pursuant to Item 601 of
   Regulation S-K.


**Previously filed.



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