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): August 27, 1998
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.
The following news release was issued by Freeport-McMoRan Copper
& Gold Inc. on August 27, 1998:
NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 27, 1998 - Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Inc. (FCX) announced today that its Board of Directors has
authorized a new open market share purchase program for up to 20
million shares, in total, of its FCX Class A and Class B common
stock representing approximately 11.5 percent of the common shares
outstanding. The purchases will occur over time depending upon
many factors, including the market price of the common shares; the
company's operating results, cash flows and financial positions;
and general economic and market conditions.
FCX is engaged in mineral exploration and development, and
the mining and milling of ore containing copper, gold and silver
in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. FCX is also involved in the smelting
and refining of copper concentrates in Spain and the construction
of a copper 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\ C. Donald Whitmire
------------------------------
C. Donald Whitmire
Controller-Financial Reporting
(authorized signatory and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: August 31, 1998
