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MMR S8 5-9-05
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<DIV><BR>
<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">As filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9,
2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Registration
No. 333-______</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left>
<DIV><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>
<DIV>
<HR align=left width="100%" color=#000000 noShade SIZE=3>
</DIV></STRONG></FONT></DIV></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=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>_______________</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: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>FORM
S-8</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>REGISTRATION
STATEMENT</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>under</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>THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</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>_______________</STRONG></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=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; 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>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="31%">
      <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 align=middle width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="31%">
      <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 align=middle width="31%">
      <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 </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">of
      incorporation)</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="31%">
      <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 </FONT></DIV>
      <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">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=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>1615
Poydras Street</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>New
Orleans, Louisiana 70112</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"><EM>(Address,
including zip code, or registrant&#8217;s</EM></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"><EM>principal
executive offices)</EM></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: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>McMoRan
Exploration Co. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan</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"><EM>(Full
title of the plan)</EM></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>_______________</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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>John
G. Amato</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>General
Counsel</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>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"><STRONG>1615
Poydras Street</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>New
Orleans, Louisiana 70112</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>(504)
582-4000</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"><EM>(Name,
address, including zip code, and telephone number,</EM></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"><EM>including
area code, of agent for service)</EM></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Copy
to:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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>Margaret
F. Murphy</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>Jones,
Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carr&#232;re &amp; Den&#232;gre, L.L.P.</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>201
St. Charles Avenue</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>New
Orleans, Louisiana 70170-5100</STRONG></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=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE</STRONG></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left>
<DIV>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=bottom align=middle
    width="23%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">Title
      of</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">securities
      to be registered</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=bottom align=middle
    width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">Amount
      to be </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">registered
      </FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(1)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=bottom align=middle
    width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Proposed
      maximum </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">offering
      price</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">per
      unit</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=bottom align=middle
    width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Proposed
      maximum </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">aggregate</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">offering
      price</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=bottom align=left
    width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">Amount
      of</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">registration
      fee</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=left width="23%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt"></FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Total</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">Preferred
      Stock Purchase Rights</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=right
      width="16%"><DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">2,666,500
      Shares</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">813,500
      Shares</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">10,000
      Shares</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">10,000
      Shares</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">3,500,000
      Shares</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=right>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.15pt"
      align=center><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">3,500,000
      Shares</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=left width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">$18.16</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">$16.65</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">$16.37</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">$20.70</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">--</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">--</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(4)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=left width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left>&nbsp;</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">$48,423,640</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$13,544,775</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$163,700</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$207,000</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$62,339,115</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>&nbsp;</SUP></FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">--</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(4)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=left width="16%">
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$5,699.46</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$1,594.22</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$19.27</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$24.36</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">$7,337.31</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>&nbsp;</SUP></FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=center>&nbsp;</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">--</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 7pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(4)</SUP></FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black double" vAlign=top align=left width="87%"
    colSpan=5>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(1)</SUP></FONT><FONT
      id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Upon
      a stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction in the future
      involving our Common Stock and during the effectiveness of this
      Registration Statement, the number of shares and rights registered shall
      be automatically increased to cover the additional shares and rights in
      accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933.</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(2)</SUP></FONT><FONT
      id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Estimated
      solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to
      Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, based on the average of the
      high and low price per share of our Common Stock on the New York Stock
      Exchange on May 5, 2005.</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(3)</SUP></FONT><FONT
      id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Computed
      in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, based
      upon the price at which outstanding options granted under the Plan may be
      exercised.</FONT></DIV>
      <DIV
      style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"><SUP>(4)</SUP></FONT><FONT
      id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Preferred
      Stock Purchase Rights (the &#8220;Rights&#8221;) are attached to and trade with the
      Registrant&#8217;s Common Stock. The value attributable to the Rights, if any,
      is reflected in the market price of such Common Stock. Because no separate
      consideration is paid for the Rights, the registration fee for such
      securities is included in the fee for such Common
Stock.</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV><BR><BR>
<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>PART
II</STRONG></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=center><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</STRONG></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>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">The
following documents, which have been filed by McMoRan Exploration Co. with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;Commission&#8221;), are incorporated herein
by reference:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(a)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Our
latest Annual Report on Form 10-K;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(b)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">All other
reports filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual
Report referred to in (a); and</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(c)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
description of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Rights included in
our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed November 13, 1998, and effective
November 16, 1998, by incorporation by reference from pages 119-124 of Amendment
No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-61171),
including any amendment thereto or report filed for the purpose of updating such
description.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">All
documents filed by us with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold shall, except to the extent otherwise
provided by Regulation S-K or any other rule promulgated by the Commission, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
4. Description of Securities.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Not
applicable.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Not
applicable.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</STRONG></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: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware empowers us to indemnify, subject
to the standards prescribed in that Section, any person in connection with any
action, suit or proceeding brought or threatened by reason of the fact that the
person is or was our director, officer, employee or agent. Article VIII of our
certificate of incorporation provides that our company shall indemnify any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of our company, to
the fullest extent authorized by law. In addition, Section 10 of our bylaws
provides that we shall defend and indemnify each person who was or is made a
party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in,
any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was
our director, officer, employee or agent if:</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 id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 108pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">the
      director, officer, agent or employee is successful in defending the claim
      on its merits or otherwise; or</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 108pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">the
      director, officer, agent or employee meets the standard of conduct
      described in Section 10 of our bylaws.</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
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">However,
the director, officer, agent or employee of our company will not be entitled to
indemnification if:</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 id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 108pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=justify><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">the
      claim is one brought by the director, officer, agent or employee against
      our company; or</FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=list cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 108pt" align=right><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Symbol, serif">&#183;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
      align=left><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">the
      claim is one brought by the director, officer, agent or employee as a
      derivative action by our company or in the right of our company, and the
      action is not approved by our board of
directors.</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
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">The
rights conferred by Article VIII of our certificate of incorporation and Section
10 of our bylaws are contractual rights and include the right to be paid by us
the expenses incurred in defending the action, suit or proceeding in advance of
its final disposition.</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: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Article
VIII of our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be
personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages resulting from
breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors except (1) for any breach of the
duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3)
under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, which makes
directors liable for unlawful dividend or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions or (4) transactions from which directors derive improper personal
benefit.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><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">We have
insurance policies insuring our directors and officers against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">Not
applicable.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
8. Exhibits.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">5</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Opinion
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carr&#232;re &amp; Den&#232;gre,
      L.L.P.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">15</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Letter
      dated May 6, 2005, from Ernst &amp; Young LLP regarding the unaudited
      interim financial statements.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">23.1</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Consent
      of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">23.2</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Consent
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carr&#232;re &amp; Den&#232;gre, L.L.P.
      (included in Exhibit 5).</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">24.1</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Certified
      Resolution of our Board of Directors authorizing this report to be signed
      on behalf of any officer or director pursuant to a Power of Attorney.
      </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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 36pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">24.2</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Powers
      of Attorney pursuant to which this Registration Statement has been signed
      on behalf of certain of our officers and
directors.</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>&nbsp;</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"><STRONG>Item
9. Undertakings.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(a)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(1)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">To file,
during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 108pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 108pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date
of this 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 this registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in 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
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the &#8220;Calculation of Registration Fee&#8221; table in the
effective registration statement;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 108pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to
such information in this registration statement; </FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><EM>Provided,
however</EM></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">, that
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) 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 Commission by the registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(2)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">That, for
the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amend-ment 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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25"><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">(3)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(b)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#8217;s
annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the 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.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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">(c)</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant 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 of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV id=PGBRK
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">&nbsp;</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>SIGNATURES</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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 Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that
it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
Orleans, State of Louisiana, on May 9, 2005.</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: 99pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 234pt"></FONT><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=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: 99pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT id=TAB1 style="MARGIN-LEFT: 234pt"></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">By:</FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 99pt">&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><U>/s/
Richard C. Adkerson</U></FONT><FONT id=TAB2
style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 99pt">&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 99pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><FONT
id=TAB2 style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt"><FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;
Richard C. Adkerson<BR><FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>&nbsp;<FONT id=TAB2
style="LETTER-SPACING: 9pt">&nbsp; </FONT></FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Co-Chairman
of the Board</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</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 Act of 1933, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 9,
2005.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR>
<DIV>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%">
      <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">*</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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">Co-Chairman
      of the Board</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">
      <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">James
      R. Moffett</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%">
      <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">/s/
      Richard C. Adkerson</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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">Co-Chairman
      of the Board</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">
      <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">Richard
      C. Adkerson</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">*&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;President
      and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Glenn
      A. Klienert</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
      (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%">
      <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">*</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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">Vice
      Chairman of the Board</FONT></DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">
      <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">B.M.
      Rankin, Jr.</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">
      <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"></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;*</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Senior
      Vice President,
      Chief&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Nancy
      D. Pamelee</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Financial
      Officer and Secretary</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;(Prinicipal
      Finanicial Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;*</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Vice
      President and Controller-</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">C.
      Donald Whitmire, Jr.&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Financial
      Reporting</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;(Principal
      Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;*</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Director</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Robert
      A. Day&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">*&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Director</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Gerald
      J. Ford</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;*</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Director</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">H.
      Devon Graham, Jr.&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 thin solid" vAlign=top align=middle
    width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;*</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ffffff solid" vAlign=top align=left
      width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Director</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">J.
      Taylor Wharton&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><U>*By:
      /s/ Richard C. Adkerson</U>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Richard
      C. Adkerson</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top align=middle width="40%"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">&nbsp;Attorney-in-Fact</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="40%">&nbsp;</TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left>
<DIV><BR>&nbsp;</DIV></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>EXHIBIT
INDEX</STRONG></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=left><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG>Exhibit</STRONG></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"><STRONG><U>Number</U></STRONG></FONT><FONT
id=TAB2 style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 243pt">&nbsp; </FONT><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"><STRONG><U>Description
of Exhibits</U></STRONG></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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">5</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Opinion
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carr&#232;re &amp; Den&#232;gre,
      L.L.P.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">15</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Letter
      dated May 6, 2005, from Ernst &amp; Young LLP regarding the unaudited
      interim financial statements.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">23.1</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Consent
      of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">23.2</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Consent
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carr&#232;re &amp; Den&#232;gre, L.L.P.
      (included in Exhibit 5).</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt"></TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">24.1</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size=2>Certified Resolution of our Board of Directors
      authorizing this report to be signed on behalf of any officer or director
      pursuant to a Power of Attorney.</FONT><FONT id=TAB2
      style="COLOR: black; LETTER-SPACING: 27pt">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV><FONT
style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"></FONT></DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=justify>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>
<TABLE id=hangingindent cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center
border=0>
  <TR style="LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25" vAlign=top>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 9pt">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="WIDTH: 63pt">
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">24.2
      </FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD>
      <DIV style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><FONT
      style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Powers
      of Attorney pursuant to which this Registration Statement has been signed
      on behalf of certain of our officers and
directors.</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>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV
style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 72pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 1.25; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"
align=left><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV
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MMR S8 5-9-05
As filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9,
2005.
Registration
No. 333-______
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
_______________
FORM
S-8
REGISTRATION
STATEMENT
under
THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
_______________
McMoRan
Exploration Co.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
72-1424200
(State
      or other jurisdiction
of
      incorporation)
(IRS
      Employer
Identification
      Number)
1615
Poydras Street
New
Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(Address,
including zip code, or registrant's
principal
executive offices)
McMoRan
Exploration Co. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
(Full
title of the plan)
_______________
John
G. Amato
General
Counsel
McMoRan
Exploration Co.
1615
Poydras Street
New
Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504)
582-4000
(Name,
address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including
area code, of agent for service)
Copy
to:
Margaret
F. Murphy
Jones,
Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre, L.L.P.
201
St. Charles Avenue
New
Orleans, Louisiana 70170-5100
CALCULATION
OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title
      of
securities
      to be registered
Amount
      to be
registered
(1)
Proposed
      maximum
offering
      price
per
      unit
Proposed
      maximum
aggregate
offering
      price
Amount
      of
registration
      fee
Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)
Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)
Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)
Common
      Stock (par value $.01 per share)
Total
Preferred
      Stock Purchase Rights
2,666,500
      Shares
813,500
      Shares
10,000
      Shares
10,000
      Shares
3,500,000
      Shares
3,500,000
      Shares
$18.16
(2)
$16.65
$16.37
$20.70
--
--
(4)
$48,423,640
(2)
$13,544,775
(3)
$163,700
(3)
$207,000
(3)
$62,339,115
--
(4)
$5,699.46
(2)
$1,594.22
(3)
$19.27
(3)
$24.36
(3)
$7,337.31
--
(4)
(1)
Upon
      a stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction in the future
      involving our Common Stock and during the effectiveness of this
      Registration Statement, the number of shares and rights registered shall
      be automatically increased to cover the additional shares and rights in
      accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2)
Estimated
      solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to
      Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, based on the average of the
      high and low price per share of our Common Stock on the New York Stock
      Exchange on May 5, 2005.
(3)
Computed
      in accordance with Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, based
      upon the price at which outstanding options granted under the Plan may be
      exercised.
(4)
Preferred
      Stock Purchase Rights (the "Rights") are attached to and trade with the
      Registrant's Common Stock. The value attributable to the Rights, if any,
      is reflected in the market price of such Common Stock. Because no separate
      consideration is paid for the Rights, the registration fee for such
      securities is included in the fee for such Common
Stock.
PART
II
INFORMATION
REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item
3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The
following documents, which have been filed by McMoRan Exploration Co. with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), are incorporated herein
by reference:
(a)
Our
latest Annual Report on Form 10-K;
(b)
All other
reports filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual
Report referred to in (a); and
(c)
The
description of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Rights included in
our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed November 13, 1998, and effective
November 16, 1998, by incorporation by reference from pages 119-124 of Amendment
No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-61171),
including any amendment thereto or report filed for the purpose of updating such
description.
All
documents filed by us with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
that indicates that all securities offered have been sold or that deregisters
all securities then remaining unsold shall, except to the extent otherwise
provided by Regulation S-K or any other rule promulgated by the Commission, be
deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be
part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item
4. Description of Securities.
Not
applicable.
Item
5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not
applicable.
Item
6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware empowers us to indemnify, subject
to the standards prescribed in that Section, any person in connection with any
action, suit or proceeding brought or threatened by reason of the fact that the
person is or was our director, officer, employee or agent. Article VIII of our
certificate of incorporation provides that our company shall indemnify any
person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of our company, to
the fullest extent authorized by law. In addition, Section 10 of our bylaws
provides that we shall defend and indemnify each person who was or is made a
party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in,
any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that the person is or was
our director, officer, employee or agent if:
·
the
      director, officer, agent or employee is successful in defending the claim
      on its merits or otherwise; or
·
the
      director, officer, agent or employee meets the standard of conduct
      described in Section 10 of our bylaws.
However,
the director, officer, agent or employee of our company will not be entitled to
indemnification if:
·
the
      claim is one brought by the director, officer, agent or employee against
      our company; or
·
the
      claim is one brought by the director, officer, agent or employee as a
      derivative action by our company or in the right of our company, and the
      action is not approved by our board of
directors.
The
rights conferred by Article VIII of our certificate of incorporation and Section
10 of our bylaws are contractual rights and include the right to be paid by us
the expenses incurred in defending the action, suit or proceeding in advance of
its final disposition.
Article
VIII of our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be
personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages resulting from
breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors except (1) for any breach of the
duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3)
under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, which makes
directors liable for unlawful dividend or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions or (4) transactions from which directors derive improper personal
benefit.
We have
insurance policies insuring our directors and officers against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933.
Item
7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not
applicable.
Item
8. Exhibits.
5
Opinion
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre,
      L.L.P.
15
Letter
      dated May 6, 2005, from Ernst & Young LLP regarding the unaudited
      interim financial statements.
23.1
Consent
      of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre, L.L.P.
      (included in Exhibit 5).
24.1
Certified
      Resolution of our Board of Directors authorizing this report to be signed
      on behalf of any officer or director pursuant to a Power of Attorney.
24.2
Powers
      of Attorney pursuant to which this Registration Statement has been signed
      on behalf of certain of our officers and
directors.
Item
9. Undertakings.
(a)
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To file,
during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:
To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933;
To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date
of this 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 this registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in 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
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective registration statement;
To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to
such information in this registration statement;
Provided,
however
, that
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) 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 Commission by the registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
(2)
That, for
the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amend-ment 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.
(b)
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the 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.
(c)
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant 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 of whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that
it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
Orleans, State of Louisiana, on May 9, 2005.
McMoRan
EXPLORATION CO.
By:
/s/
Richard C. Adkerson
Richard C. Adkerson
Co-Chairman
of the Board
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on May 9,
2005.
*
Co-Chairman
      of the Board
James
      R. Moffett
/s/
      Richard C. Adkerson
Co-Chairman
      of the Board
Richard
      C. Adkerson
*
President
      and Chief Executive Officer
Glenn
      A. Klienert
(Principal Executive Officer)
*
Vice
      Chairman of the Board
B.M.
      Rankin, Jr.
*
Senior
      Vice President,
      Chief
Nancy
      D. Pamelee
Financial
      Officer and Secretary
(Prinicipal
      Finanicial Officer)
*
Vice
      President and Controller-
C.
      Donald Whitmire, Jr.
Financial
      Reporting
(Principal
      Accounting Officer)
*
Director
Robert
      A. Day
*
Director
Gerald
      J. Ford
*
Director
H.
      Devon Graham, Jr.
*
Director
J.
      Taylor Wharton
*By:
      /s/ Richard C. Adkerson
Richard
      C. Adkerson
Attorney-in-Fact
EXHIBIT
INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
of Exhibits
5
Opinion
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre,
      L.L.P.
15
Letter
      dated May 6, 2005, from Ernst & Young LLP regarding the unaudited
      interim financial statements.
23.1
Consent
      of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent
      of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre, L.L.P.
      (included in Exhibit 5).
24.1
Certified Resolution of our Board of Directors
      authorizing this report to be signed on behalf of any officer or director
      pursuant to a Power of Attorney.
24.2
Powers
      of Attorney pursuant to which this Registration Statement has been signed
      on behalf of certain of our officers and
directors.