Press Release: Freeport adds J. Stapleton Roy to its board of directors

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. announced the election of J. Stapleton Roy, Former United States Ambassador to Indonesia, to its Board of Directors.

Ambassador Roy, age 65, has served in numerous posts over his forty-five year career with the U. S. Government including as U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia from 1996 to 1999. Previously he served as Ambassador to Singapore and the People's Republic of China. In 1996 he was named Carcer Ambassador, the highest designation in the U. S. Foreign Service. He also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research. Ambassador Roy recently retired from the State Department and has joined Kissinger Associates, Inc. as Managing Director.

Mr. Roy replaces Henry A. Kissinger who has retired from the Board and has been named Director Emeritus. Dr. Kissinger, Former U. S. Secretary of State and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kissinger Associates, Inc., remains an extremely valued adviser and consultant to FCX.

``We are pleased to welcome Ambassador Roy to our Board of Directors. He has an outstanding record in foreign service,'' said James R. Moffett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FCX. ``His broad expertise and experience uniquely qualifies him to advise us on Asia, and particularly, Indonesia. We look forward to his advice and counsel.'' Mr. Moffett continued, ``We congratulate Henry Kissinger on becoming a Director Emeritus. In this role we will continue to have the benefit of his valuable advisory services supporting our business objectives.''

FCX explores for, develops, mines and processes ore containing copper, gold and silver in Indonesia, and smelts and refines copper concentrates in Spain and Indonesia. Additional information about FCX is available on our Internet web site ``www.fcx.com''.

Contact: Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Financial Contact: Chris D. Sammons, 504/582-4474; or Media Contact: William Collier, 504/582-1750. (*)