[Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. Letterhead]

March 13, 2006

Pat Prejean

Assistant Controller - Financial Reporting

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

1615 Poydras Street

New Orleans, LA 70112

Dear Mr. Prejean,

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports included herein or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, into Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.’s previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 333-31584, 333-104564 and 333-114430) and on Form S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-63267, 33-63269, 33-63271, 333-85803, 333-105535, and 333-115292) and on Form S-4 (Registration Nos. 333-104563 and 333-114217).

INDEPENDENT MINING CONSULTANTS, INC.

Date: March 13, 2006By: /s/ John M. Marek

Name: John M. Marek

Title: President