<html>
  <head>
    <title>
      MMR 1-30-06 8k
</title>
<!-- Licensed to: FCX-->
<!-- Document Created using EDGARIZER HTML 3.0.2.1 -->
<!-- Copyright 2005 EDGARfilings, Ltd., an IEC company.-->
<!-- All rights reserved EDGARfilings.com -->
</head>
  <body bgcolor="#ffffff">
    <div>
      <div>
        <hr style="COLOR: black" align="left" noshade size="3" width="100%">
      </div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>UNITED
        STATES</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>SECURITIES
        AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>Washington,
        D.C. 20549</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>FORM
        8-K</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>CURRENT
        REPORT</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>Pursuant
        to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of
        1934</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>Date
        of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 30,
        2006</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><img src="mmr_logo10q.jpg" alt=""></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>McMoRan
        Exploration Co.</strong></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Exact
        name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div>
        <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>Delaware</strong></font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="4%">&#160;</td>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>001-07791</strong></font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="4%">&#160;</td>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>72-1424200</strong></font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(State
                  or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="4%">&#160;</td>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Commission
                  File Number)</font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="4%">&#160;</td>
              <td valign="top" width="18%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(IRS
                  Employer Identification Number)</font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>

        </table>
      </div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div>
        <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>1615
                  Poydras Street</strong></font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">&#160;</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>New
                  Orleans, Louisiana</strong></font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><strong>70112</strong></font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Address
                  of principal executive offices)</font></div>
              </td>
              <td valign="top" width="36%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(Zip
                  Code)</font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>

        </table>
      </div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Registrant's
        telephone number, including area code: (504) 582-4000</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Check
        the
        appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously
        satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following
        provisions:</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">[
        ]
        Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17
        CFR
        230.425)</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">[
        ]
        Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
        240.14a-12)</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">[
        ]
        Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
        Act
        (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">[
        ]
        Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
        Act
        (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div><br><br>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Item
        5.03. </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><u>Amendment
        to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.</u></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">On
        January 30, 2006, the Board of Directors of McMoRan Exploration Co. (McMoRan)
        approved an amendment to Section 3.5 of McMoRan&#8217;s By-Laws to change the vote
        standard for the election of directors from a plurality to a majority of
        the
        votes cast in uncontested elections (see Exhibit 3.3). In contested elections
        where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected,
        the
        vote standard shall remain a plurality vote.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In
        an
        uncontested election, any nominee for director who has a majority of votes
        cast
&#8220;withheld&#8221; from his or her election will be required to promptly tender his or
        her resignation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
        will consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the Board whether
        to
        accept or reject the resignation. The Board will act on the Nominating and
        Corporate Governance Committee&#8217;s recommendation and publicly disclose its
        decision within 90 days from the date of the annual meeting of stockholders.
        Any
        director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in the
        Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee&#8217;s recommendation or the Board
        action regarding whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation.
</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In
        addition, if each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
        fails to be elected at the same election, the independent directors who were
        elected will appoint a committee to consider the tendered resignations and
        recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject them. Any vacancies in
        the
        Board resulting from the failed election of a director may be filled by a
        majority of the directors then in office. Each director elected in this manner
        will hold office until his or her successor is elected and duly
        qualified.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Item
        9.01. </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><u>Financial
        Statements and Exhibits.</u></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(c)</font><font id="TAB2" style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&#160;</font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Exhibit.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
        Exhibit included as part of this Current Report is listed in the attached
        Exhibit Index.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">SIGNATURE</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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 hereunto
        duly authorized.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 216pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">McMoRan
        Exploration Co.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 216pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">By:
        /s/
        C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 225pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">----------------------------------------</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 234pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">C.
        Donald
        Whitmire, Jr.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 234pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Vice
        President and Controller - </font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 234pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Financial
        Reporting</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 234pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(authorized
        signatory and</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 234pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Principal
        Accounting Officer)</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Date:
        February 3, 2006</font></div><br><br>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">McMoRan
        Exploration Co.</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Exhibit
        Index</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Exhibit</font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><u>Number</u></font></div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
      <div>
        <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">

            <tr>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="5%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><a href="exhibit3_3.htm">3.3</a></font></div>
              </td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="2%">&#160;</td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="74%">
                <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Amended
                  and Restated By-Laws of McMoRan Exploration Co. as amended, effective
                  January 30, 2006.</font></div>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="5%">&#160;</td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="2%">&#160;</td>
              <td align="left" valign="top" width="74%">&#160;</td>
            </tr>

        </table>
      </div>
      <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><br></div>
    </div>
  </body>
</html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "mmr13006-8k.htm", "description": "MMR 1-30-06 8K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 23390}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "MCMORAN EXPLORATION CO /DE/", "cik": "0000064279", "assigned-sic": "1311", "irs-number": "721424200", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-07791", "film-number": "06578124"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1615 POYDRAS ST", "city": "NEW ORLEANS", "state": "LA", "zip": "70112", "phone": "5045824000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1615 POYDRAS ST", "city": "NEW ORLEANS", "state": "LA", "zip": "70112"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "MCMORAN OIL & GAS CO", "date-changed": "19970707"}, {"former-conformed-name": "MCMORAN EXPLORATION CO", "date-changed": "19790223"}, {"former-conformed-name": "HORN SILVER MINES CO", "date-changed": "19720620"}]}
MMR 1-30-06 8k
UNITED
        STATES
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): January 30,
        2006
McMoRan
        Exploration Co.
(Exact
        name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-07791
72-1424200
(State
                  or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission
                  File Number)
(IRS
                  Employer Identification Number)
1615
                  Poydras Street
New
                  Orleans, Louisiana
70112
(Address
                  of principal executive offices)
(Zip
                  Code)
Registrant's
        telephone number, including area code: (504) 582-4000
Check
        the
        appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously
        satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following
        provisions:
[
        ]
        Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17
        CFR
        230.425)
[
        ]
        Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
        240.14a-12)
[
        ]
        Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange
        Act
        (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[
        ]
        Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange
        Act
        (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item
        5.03.
Amendment
        to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.
On
        January 30, 2006, the Board of Directors of McMoRan Exploration Co. (McMoRan)
        approved an amendment to Section 3.5 of McMoRan's By-Laws to change the vote
        standard for the election of directors from a plurality to a majority of
        the
        votes cast in uncontested elections (see Exhibit 3.3). In contested elections
        where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected,
        the
        vote standard shall remain a plurality vote.
In
        an
        uncontested election, any nominee for director who has a majority of votes
        cast
"withheld" from his or her election will be required to promptly tender his or
        her resignation to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
        will consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the Board whether
        to
        accept or reject the resignation. The Board will act on the Nominating and
        Corporate Governance Committee's recommendation and publicly disclose its
        decision within 90 days from the date of the annual meeting of stockholders.
        Any
        director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in the
        Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's recommendation or the Board
        action regarding whether to accept or reject the tendered resignation.
In
        addition, if each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
        fails to be elected at the same election, the independent directors who were
        elected will appoint a committee to consider the tendered resignations and
        recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject them. Any vacancies in
        the
        Board resulting from the failed election of a director may be filled by a
        majority of the directors then in office. Each director elected in this manner
        will hold office until his or her successor is elected and duly
        qualified.
Item
        9.01.
Financial
        Statements and Exhibits.
(c)
Exhibit.
The
        Exhibit included as part of this Current Report is listed in the attached
        Exhibit Index.
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 hereunto
        duly authorized.
McMoRan
        Exploration Co.
By:
        /s/
        C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.
----------------------------------------
C.
        Donald
        Whitmire, Jr.
Vice
        President and Controller -
Financial
        Reporting
(authorized
        signatory and
Principal
        Accounting Officer)
Date:
        February 3, 2006
McMoRan
        Exploration Co.
Exhibit
        Index
Exhibit
Number
3.3
Amended
                  and Restated By-Laws of McMoRan Exploration Co. as amended, effective
                  January 30, 2006.