SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 30, 1996
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
Delaware 1-9916 74-2480931
(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
incorporation or Number)
organization)
1615 Poydras Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (504) 582-4000
Item 5. Other Events.
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The following news release was issued by Freeport-McMoRan Copper
& Gold Inc. on December 30, 1996:
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC. ANNOUNCES
CONVERSIONS AND REDEMPTIONS OF DEPOSITARY SHARES REPRESENTING
7% CONVERTIBLE EXCHANGEABLE PREFERRED STOCK
New Orleans, LA., December 30, 1996 -- Freeport-McMoRan Copper
& Gold Inc. (FCX) announced today the results of the call for
redemption of its outstanding Depositary Shares (NYSE:FCX Pr)
representing the company's 7% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred
Stock. Of the approximately 8.75 million Depositary Shares
outstanding at the time of the call, approximately 8.65 million
Depositary Shares were converted into approximately 8.83 million
shares of FCX Class A common stock at a conversion rate of
approximately 1.0208 FCX Class A common shares per Depositary Share.
The remaining Depositary Shares will be redeemed for approximately
$2.5 million cash. Prior to the conversion of Depositary Shares,
FCX Class A and Class B common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding as of September 30, 1996 totaled approximately 195
million shares.
FCX is engaged in mineral exploration and development, mining
and milling of copper, gold and silver in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, and
the smelting and refining of copper concentrates in Spain. FCX is
also involved in a joint venture to construct and operate a
smelter/refinery in Indonesia.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
By: /s/ Michael A. Weaver
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Michael A. Weaver
Controller - Financial Reporting
(authorized signatory and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: January 2, 1997
