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      FCX 5-02-06a 8k
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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><br><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): May 2, 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="fcx_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>FREEPORT-McMoRan
      COPPER &amp; GOLD INC.</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>
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              <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>1-9916</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>74-2480931</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>

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    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><br></div>
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            <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>
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    <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>
    <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
      1.01. </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><u>Entry
      into a Material Definitive Agreement.</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"><u>Amendments
      to Stock Incentive Plans</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
      May 2,
      2006, Freeport-McMoRan Copper &amp; Gold Inc.&#8217;s (FCX) Board of Directors adopted
      technical amendments to several of FCX&#8217;s stock incentive plans, including the
      2003 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan,
      and
      1995 Stock Option Plan. The amendments (1) remove FCX&#8217;s ability to allow
      participants to satisfy excess tax withholding by delivering shares of common
      stock and (2) clarify that shares of common stock delivered to pay the exercise
      price of stock options will be valued as of the date of exercise under all
      of
      its stock incentive plans. Each of the amended plans is filed as an exhibit
      to
      this Form 8-K (see Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3).</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"><u>Amendments
      to Grants under 2004 Director Compensation Plan</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
      May 9,
      2004, pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Director Compensation Plan and with
      the
      approval of our stockholders, FCX granted stock options and stock appreciation
      rights to its two former advisory directors to replace awards that had expired
      as a result of the directors&#8217; resignations from the Board. These replacement
      awards had the same terms as the expired awards, including the exercise price.
      In order to make the replacement awards fully exempt from Section 409A of the
      Internal Revenue Code, on May 2, 2006, the Corporate Personnel Committee of
      the
      Board approved amendments to certain portions of the replacement awards to
      increase the exercise price to the fair market value of FCX common stock on
      the
      date of grant. The form of amendment to the Notice of Grant of Nonqualified
      Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights is filed as an exhibit to this
      Form
      8-K (see Exhibit 10.4).</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"><u>Amendments
      to Financial Counseling and Tax Return Preparation and Certification
      Program</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
      May 2,
      2006, the Corporate Personnel Committee of the Board amended the
      Freeport-McMoRan Copper &amp; Gold Inc. Financial Counseling and Tax Return
      Preparation and Certification Program (&#8220;Program&#8221;) to (1) change the name of the
      Program to the Freeport-McMoRan Copper &amp; Gold Inc. Executive Services
      Program, (2) broaden the scope of services provided under the Program and (3)
      clarify other sections of the Program. The Program is filed as an exhibit to
      this Form 8-K (see Exhibit 10.5).</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"><u>2006
      Stock Incentive Plan</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
      May 4,
      2006, FCX stockholders approved the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan). The
      purpose of the Plan is to motivate and reward key personnel with stock
      based-awards at an appropriate level. Currently, there are approximately 1.1
      million shares of our common stock available for grant under FCX&#8217;s stock
      incentive plans. Accordingly, FCX&#8217;s Board believed it was important that FCX
      establish a new equity-based compensation plan at this time.</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">Awards
      under the Plan will be made by the Corporate Personnel Committee of the Board,
      which has full power and authority to designate participants, to set the terms
      of awards and to make any determinations necessary or desirable for the
      administration of the Plan.</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
      types
      of awards that may be granted under the Plan include stock options, stock
      appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other
      stock-based awards. The maximum number of shares of FCX common stock with
      respect to which awards may be granted under the Plan is 12,000,000. No
      individual may receive in any year awards under the Plan, whether payable in
      cash or shares, that relate to more than 3,750,000 shares of FCX common
      stock.</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
      Plan
      may be amended or terminated at any time by FCX&#8217;s Board of Directors, subject to
      the requirement that certain amendments may not be made without stockholder
      approval. In addition, no amendment may materially impair an award previously
      granted without the consent of the recipient. Unless terminated sooner, no
      awards will be made under the Plan after May 4, 2016.</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">For
      further information regarding the Plan, see FCX&#8217;s 2006 Proxy Statement filed
      with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2006. Each of the
      Plan,
      the Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan, the
      Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Plan and the Form of
      Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Plan are filed
      as
      exhibits to this Form 8-K (see Exhibits 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9).</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)
      Exhibits.</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
      Exhibits included as part of this Current Report are 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="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">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="left"><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">FREEPORT-McMoRan
      COPPER &amp; GOLD INC.</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: 234pt; 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: 252pt; 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: 252pt; 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: 252pt; 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: 252pt; 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: 252pt; 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:
      May
      5, 2006</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">&#160;</div>
    <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><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">Freeport-McMoRan
      Copper &amp; Gold Inc.</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="center"><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="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="left"><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="exhibit10_1.htm">10.1</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">2003
                Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_2.htm">10.2</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 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and
                restated.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_3.htm">10.3</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">1995
                Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_4.htm">10.4</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">Form
                of Amendment No. 1 to Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options
                and
                Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2004 Director Compensation
                Plan.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_5.htm">10.5</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">Freeport-McMoRan
                Copper &amp; Gold Inc. Executive Services Program.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_6.htm">10.6</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">Freeport-McMoRan
                Copper &amp; Gold Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_7.htm">10.7</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">Form
                of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the 2006 Stock
                Incentive Plan.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_8.htm">10.8</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">Form
                of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2006 Stock Incentive
                Plan.</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>
          <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="exhibit10_9.htm">10.9</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">Form
                of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2006
                Stock
                Incentive Plan.</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>

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[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "fcx50206a_8k.htm", "description": "FCX 5-02-06A 8K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 37310}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FREEPORT MCMORAN COPPER & GOLD INC", "cik": "0000831259", "assigned-sic": "1000", "irs-number": "742480931", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-11307-01", "film-number": "06813602"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1615 POYDRAS ST", "city": "NEW ORLEANS", "state": "LA", "zip": "70112", "phone": "5045824000"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "FREEPORT MCMORAN COPPER COMPANY INC", "date-changed": "19910114"}}
FCX 5-02-06a 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): May 2, 2006
FREEPORT-McMoRan
      COPPER & GOLD INC.
(Exact
      name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-9916
74-2480931
(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
      1.01.
Entry
      into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Amendments
      to Stock Incentive Plans
On
      May 2,
      2006, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.'s (FCX) Board of Directors adopted
      technical amendments to several of FCX's stock incentive plans, including the
      2003 Stock Incentive Plan, Amended and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan,
      and
      1995 Stock Option Plan. The amendments (1) remove FCX's ability to allow
      participants to satisfy excess tax withholding by delivering shares of common
      stock and (2) clarify that shares of common stock delivered to pay the exercise
      price of stock options will be valued as of the date of exercise under all
      of
      its stock incentive plans. Each of the amended plans is filed as an exhibit
      to
      this Form 8-K (see Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3).
Amendments
      to Grants under 2004 Director Compensation Plan
On
      May 9,
      2004, pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Director Compensation Plan and with
      the
      approval of our stockholders, FCX granted stock options and stock appreciation
      rights to its two former advisory directors to replace awards that had expired
      as a result of the directors' resignations from the Board. These replacement
      awards had the same terms as the expired awards, including the exercise price.
      In order to make the replacement awards fully exempt from Section 409A of the
      Internal Revenue Code, on May 2, 2006, the Corporate Personnel Committee of
      the
      Board approved amendments to certain portions of the replacement awards to
      increase the exercise price to the fair market value of FCX common stock on
      the
      date of grant. The form of amendment to the Notice of Grant of Nonqualified
      Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights is filed as an exhibit to this
      Form
      8-K (see Exhibit 10.4).
Amendments
      to Financial Counseling and Tax Return Preparation and Certification
      Program
On
      May 2,
      2006, the Corporate Personnel Committee of the Board amended the
      Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Financial Counseling and Tax Return
      Preparation and Certification Program ("Program") to (1) change the name of the
      Program to the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Executive Services
      Program, (2) broaden the scope of services provided under the Program and (3)
      clarify other sections of the Program. The Program is filed as an exhibit to
      this Form 8-K (see Exhibit 10.5).
2006
      Stock Incentive Plan
On
      May 4,
      2006, FCX stockholders approved the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan). The
      purpose of the Plan is to motivate and reward key personnel with stock
      based-awards at an appropriate level. Currently, there are approximately 1.1
      million shares of our common stock available for grant under FCX's stock
      incentive plans. Accordingly, FCX's Board believed it was important that FCX
      establish a new equity-based compensation plan at this time.
Awards
      under the Plan will be made by the Corporate Personnel Committee of the Board,
      which has full power and authority to designate participants, to set the terms
      of awards and to make any determinations necessary or desirable for the
      administration of the Plan.
The
      types
      of awards that may be granted under the Plan include stock options, stock
      appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other
      stock-based awards. The maximum number of shares of FCX common stock with
      respect to which awards may be granted under the Plan is 12,000,000. No
      individual may receive in any year awards under the Plan, whether payable in
      cash or shares, that relate to more than 3,750,000 shares of FCX common
      stock.
The
      Plan
      may be amended or terminated at any time by FCX's Board of Directors, subject to
      the requirement that certain amendments may not be made without stockholder
      approval. In addition, no amendment may materially impair an award previously
      granted without the consent of the recipient. Unless terminated sooner, no
      awards will be made under the Plan after May 4, 2016.
For
      further information regarding the Plan, see FCX's 2006 Proxy Statement filed
      with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2006. Each of the
      Plan,
      the Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan, the
      Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Plan and the Form of
      Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Plan are filed
      as
      exhibits to this Form 8-K (see Exhibits 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9).
Item
      9.01.
Financial
      Statements and Exhibits.
(c)
      Exhibits.
The
      Exhibits included as part of this Current Report are 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.
FREEPORT-McMoRan
      COPPER & GOLD INC.
By:
      /s/
      C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.
----------------------------------------
C.
      Donald
      Whitmire, Jr.
Vice
      President and Controller -
Financial
      Reporting
(authorized
      signatory and
Principal
      Accounting Officer)
Date:
      May
      5, 2006
Freeport-McMoRan
      Copper & Gold Inc.
Exhibit
      Index
Exhibit
Number
10.1
2003
                Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
10.2
Amended
                and Restated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and
                restated.
10.3
1995
                Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated.
10.4
Form
                of Amendment No. 1 to Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options
                and
                Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2004 Director Compensation
                Plan.
10.5
Freeport-McMoRan
                Copper & Gold Inc. Executive Services Program.
10.6
Freeport-McMoRan
                Copper & Gold Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.7
Form
                of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the 2006 Stock
                Incentive Plan.
10.8
Form
                of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2006 Stock Incentive
                Plan.
10.9
Form
                of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2006
                Stock
                Incentive Plan.