10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
OR
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from	to
Commission File Number: 001-11307-01

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	74-2480931
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
333 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ	85004-2189
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
(602) 366-8100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

þ Yes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).       þ Yes  ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer þ         Accelerated filer ¨          Non-accelerated filer ¨         Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨ Yes þ No

On October 31, 2012, there were issued and outstanding 949,318,834 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Part I. Financial Information	3
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)	3
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)	4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)	5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)	6
Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited)	7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	21
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	68
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	68
Part II. Other Information	68
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	68
Item 1A. Risk Factors	69
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	69
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	69
Item 6. Exhibits	69
Signature	70
Exhibit Index	E-1

.

2

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(In millions)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,727		$	4,822
Trade accounts receivable	1,424			892
Other accounts receivable	242			250
Inventories:
Mill and leach stockpiles	1,595			1,289
Materials and supplies, net	1,465			1,354
Product	1,374			1,226
Other current assets	353			214
Total current assets	10,180			10,047
Property, plant, equipment and development costs, net	20,294			18,449
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles	1,871			1,686
Long-term receivables	1,004			675
Intangible assets, net	321			325
Other assets	847			888
Total assets	$	34,517		$	32,070
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,531		$	2,297
Dividends payable	299			240
Current portion of reclamation and environmental obligations	259			236
Accrued income taxes	59			163
Current portion of debt	2			4
Total current liabilities	3,150			2,940
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,521			3,533
Deferred income taxes	3,378			3,255
Reclamation and environmental obligations, less current portion	2,194			2,138
Other liabilities	1,531			1,651
Total liabilities	13,774			13,517
Equity:
FCX stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	107			107
Capital in excess of par value	19,094			19,007
Retained earnings	1,953			546
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(439		)	(465		)
Common stock held in treasury	(3,576		)	(3,553		)
Total FCX stockholders’ equity	17,139			15,642
Noncontrolling interests	3,604			2,911
Total equity	20,743			18,553
Total liabilities and equity	$	34,517		$	32,070

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues	$	4,417		$	5,195		$	13,497		$	16,718
Cost of sales:
Production and delivery	2,592			2,570			7,642			7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	298			257			856			756
Total cost of sales	2,890			2,827			8,498			8,260
Selling, general and administrative expenses	110			102			311			323
Exploration and research expenses	79			78			214			194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	(73		)	38			18			98
Total costs and expenses	3,006			3,045			9,041			8,875
Operating income	1,411			2,150			4,456			7,843
Interest expense, net	(42		)	(78		)	(148		)	(250		)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(168		)	(68		)
Other (expense) income, net	(15		)	28			23			40
Income before income taxes and equity in affiliated
companies’ net earnings	1,354			2,100			4,163			7,565
Provision for income taxes	(215		)	(808		)	(1,128		)	(2,698		)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings	1			2			—			14
Net income	1,140			1,294			3,035			4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316		)	(241		)	(737		)	(961		)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	824		$	1,053		$	2,298		$	3,920
Net income per share attributable to FCX common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.87		$	1.11		$	2.42		$	4.14
Diluted	$	0.86		$	1.10		$	2.41		$	4.10
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	949			948			949			947
Diluted	953			955			953			955
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.3125		$	0.25		$	0.9375		$	1.25

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In millions)
Net income	$	1,140		$	1,294		$	3,035		$	4,881
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period	1			(1		)	—			(1		)
Translation adjustments arising during the period	—			(2		)	(1		)	(1		)
Defined benefit plans:
Amortization of unrecognized amounts included in net
periodic benefit costs	7			5			22			11
Adjustment to deferred tax valuation allowance	—			—			5			—
Other comprehensive income	8			2			26			9
Total comprehensive income	1,148			1,296			3,061			4,890
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling
interests	(315		)	(241		)	(737		)	(961		)
Total comprehensive income attributable to FCX common
stockholders	$	833		$	1,055		$	2,324		$	3,929

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2012			2011
	(In millions)
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$	3,035		$	4,881
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	856			756
Stock-based compensation	77			92
Pension plans contributions	(114		)	(29		)
Net charges for reclamation and environmental obligations, including accretion	64			144
Payments for reclamation and environmental obligations	(148		)	(131		)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	168			68
Deferred income taxes	223			419
Increase in long-term mill and leach stockpiles	(184		)	(174		)
Other, net	71			(26		)
(Increases) decreases in working capital and other tax payments:
Accounts receivable	(603		)	1,034
Inventories	(581		)	(266		)
Other current assets	(33		)	(152		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	78			(101		)
Accrued income taxes and other tax payments	(400		)	(641		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,509			5,874
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
North America copper mines	(569		)	(342		)
South America	(659		)	(431		)
Indonesia	(624		)	(463		)
Africa	(428		)	(89		)
Molybdenum	(197		)	(317		)
Other	(41		)	(107		)
Other, net	(19		)	24
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,537		)	(1,725		)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	3,023			37
Repayments of debt	(3,179		)	(1,303		)
Cash dividends paid:
Common stock	(832		)	(1,186		)
Noncontrolling interests	(76		)	(350		)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	15			27
Net (payments for) proceeds from stock-based awards	(3		)	2
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards	7			23
Other, net	(22		)	(9		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,067		)	(2,759		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,095		)	1,390
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4,822			3,738
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,727		$	5,128

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

6

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Unaudited)

	FCX Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock						Retained Earnings			Accumu- lated Other Compre- hensive Loss			Common Stock Held in Treasury				Total FCX Stock-holders' Equity
	Number of Shares	At Par Value		Capital in Excess of Par Value									Number of Shares	At Cost						Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2011	1,071	$	107	$	19,007		$	546		$	(465	)	123	$	(3,553	)	$	15,642		$	2,911		$	18,553
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	2	—		14			—			—			—	—			14			—			14
Stock-based compensation	—	—		77			—			—			—	—			77			—			77
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	—	—		6			—			—			—	—			6			—			6
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	—	—		7			—			—			1	(23		)	(16		)	—			(16		)
Dividends on common stock	—	—		—			(891		)	—			—	—			(891		)	—			(891		)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	—	—		—			—			—			—	—			—			(76		)	(76		)
Change in ownership interests	—	—		(17		)	—			—			—	—			(17		)	17			—
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	—	—		—			—			—			—	—			—			15			15
Total comprehensive income	—	—		—			2,298			26			—	—			2,324			737			3,061
Balance at September 30, 2012	1,073	$	107	$	19,094		$	1,953		$	(439	)	124	$	(3,576	)	$	17,139		$	3,604		$	20,743

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

7

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this information should be read in conjunction with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.’s (FCX) consolidated financial statements and notes contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2011 Annual Report). The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods reported. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

FCX’s basic net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing net income attributable to FCX common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2012			2011				2012				2011
Net income	$	1,140		$	1,294			$	3,035			$	4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316		)	(241		)		(737		)		(961		)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	824		$	1,053			$	2,298			$	3,920
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	949			948				949				947
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Dilutive stock options	3			6			a	3			a	7			a
Restricted stock units	1			1				1				1
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share	953			955				953				955
Diluted net income per share attributable to FCX   common stockholders	$	0.86		$	1.10			$	2.41			$	4.10

a. Excluded shares of common stock associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method of approximately three million for the third-quarter 2011, one million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and two million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of FCX’s common stock during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share of common stock. Excluded amounts were approximately 24 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $42.52 per option for third-quarter2012 and approximately 19 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $43.80 per option for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Approximately 5 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $55.57 per option were excluded for third-quarter2011, and approximately 3 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $55.74 per option were excluded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

8

3. INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES

The components of inventories follow (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Mining operations:a
Raw materials	$	2	$	1
Finished goodsb	820		769
Atlantic Copper, S.L.U. (Atlantic Copper):
Raw materials (concentrates)	339		260
Work-in-process	191		187
Finished goods	22		9
Total product inventories	1,374		1,226
Total materials and supplies, netc	1,465		1,354
Total inventories, excluding mill and leach stockpiles	$	2,839	$	2,580

a. FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories (i.e., mill and leach stockpiles), which are summarized below.

b. Primarily included molybdenum concentrates and copper concentrates, anodes, cathodes and rod.

c. Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $26 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

A summary of mill and leach stockpiles follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Current:
Mill stockpiles	$	97	$	69
Leach stockpiles	1,498		1,220
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,595	$	1,289
Long-term:a
Mill stockpiles	$	595	$	535
Leach stockpiles	1,276		1,151
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,871	$	1,686

a. Metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

4. INCOME TAXES

Geographic sources of FCX's provision for income taxes follow (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
United States operations	$	98		$	163	$	291		$	421
International operations	117		a	645		837		a	2,277
Total	$	215		$	808	$	1,128		$	2,698

a. Included a net tax benefit of $234 million associated with an adjustment to Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability.

FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 27 percent (33 percent excluding Cerro Verde's $234 million net deferred tax liability adjustment) for the first nine months of 2012 and 36 percent for the first nine months of 2011. Variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income can result in fluctuations to FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate.

9

With the exception of Tenke Fungurume S.A.R.L. (TFM), FCX has not elected to permanently reinvest earnings from its foreign subsidiaries and has recorded deferred tax liabilities for foreign earnings that are available to be repatriated to the U.S. Cerro Verde previously recorded deferred Peruvian income tax liabilities for income taxes that would become payable if the reinvested profits used to fund the initial Cerro Verde sulfide expansion are distributed prior to the expiration of Cerro Verde's current stability agreement on December 31, 2013. Reinvested profits are not expected to be distributed prior to December 31, 2013. Accordingly, a net deferred income tax liability of $234 million ($123 million net of noncontrolling interests) was reversed and recognized as an income tax benefit in third-quarter 2012.

In July 2012, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (Cerro Verde) signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which is expected to become effective January 1, 2014, after the current mining stability agreement expires on December 31, 2013. In connection with the new mining stability agreement, Cerro Verde's income tax rate will increase from 30 percent to 32 percent. As a result of the change in the income tax rate, FCX recognized additional deferred tax expense of $26 million ($23 million net of noncontrolling interests) in third-quarter 2012, which relates primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Freeport-McMoRan Corporation (FMC).

In September 2011, Peru enacted a new mining tax and royalty regime and also created a special mining burden that companies with stability agreements could elect to pay. Cerro Verde elected to pay this special mining burden during the remaining term of its stability agreement. As a result, Cerro Verde recognized additional current and deferred tax expense of $57 million ($50 million net of noncontrolling interests) in third-quarter 2011. The deferred portion of this accrual related primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of FMC.

5. DEBT AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

In February 2012, FCX sold $500 million of 1.40% Senior Notes due 2015, $500 million of 2.15% Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion of 3.55% Senior Notes due 2022 for total net proceeds of $2.97 billion. Interest on the 1.40% Senior Notes is payable semiannually on February 13 and August 13, which commenced on August 13, 2012. Interest on the 2.15% Senior Notes and the 3.55% Senior Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1, which commenced on September 1, 2012. These unsecured senior notes rank equally with FCX's other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

On March 14, 2012, FCX redeemed the remaining $3.0 billion of its outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2017, for which holders received 104.553 percent of the principal amount together with the accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, FCX recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $168 million ($149 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.16 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2012.

During the first quarter of 2011, FCX entered into a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced the revolving credit facilities that were scheduled to mature on March 19, 2012. FCX recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt totaling $7 million ($6 million to net income attributable to FCX common shareholders or $0.01 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011 associated with this transaction.

On April 1, 2011, FCX redeemed its remaining $1.1 billion of outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2015, for which holders received 104.125 percent of the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, FCX recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt totaling $55 million ($49 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.05 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011.

During the second quarter of 2011, FCX purchased in the open market $35 million of its 9.5% Senior Notes due 2031 for $49 million, which resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $6 million ($5 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.01 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011.

Consolidated interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) totaled $56 million in third-quarter2012, $105 million in third-quarter2011, $210 million for the first nine months of 2012 and $325 million for the first nine months of 2011. Capitalized interest totaled $14 million in third-quarter2012, $27 million in third-quarter2011, $62 million for the first nine months of 2012 and $75 million for the first nine months of 2011.

10

On February 7, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the cash dividend on FCX's common stock from an annual rate of $1.00 per share to $1.25 per share. On September 26, 2012, FCX's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3125 per share, which was paid on November 1, 2012, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on October 15, 2012.

6. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FCX does not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments unless there is an existing asset or obligation, or it anticipates a future activity that is likely to occur and will result in exposure to market risks, which FCX intends to offset or mitigate. FCX does not enter into any derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes, but has entered into derivative financial instruments in limited instances to achieve specific objectives. These objectives principally relate to managing risks associated with commodity price changes, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Commodity Contracts.  From time to time, FCX has entered into forward, futures and swap contracts to hedge the market risk associated with fluctuations in the prices of commodities it purchases and sells. Derivative financial instruments used by FCX to manage its risks do not contain credit risk-related contingent provisions. As of September 30, 2012, FCX had no price protection contracts relating to its mine production. A discussion of FCX’s derivative commodity contracts and programs follows.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments – Fair Value Hedges

Copper Futures and Swap Contracts. Some of FCX's U.S. copper rod customers request a fixed market price instead of the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) average copper price in the month of shipment. FCX hedges this price exposure in a manner that allows it to receive the COMEX average price in the month of shipment while the customers pay the fixed price they requested. FCX accomplishes this by entering into copper futures and swap contracts and then liquidating the copper futures contracts and settling the copper swap contracts during the month of shipment, which generally results in FCX receiving the COMEX average copper price in the month of shipment. Hedging gains or losses from these copper futures and swap contracts are recorded in revenues. FCX did not have any significant gains or losses during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. At September 30, 2012, FCX held copper futures and swap contracts that qualified for hedge accounting for 53 million pounds at an average contract price of $3.59 per pound, with maturities through December 2013.

A summary of gains (losses) recognized in revenues for derivative financial instruments related to commodity contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions, along with the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item (firm sales commitments) follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Copper futures and swap contracts:
Unrealized gains (losses):
Derivative financial instruments	$	13		$	(62	)	$	20		$	(72	)
Hedged item	(13		)	62			(20		)	72
Realized gains (losses):
Matured derivative financial instruments	1			(10		)	(3		)	(4		)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Embedded Derivatives. As described in Note 1 to FCX’s 2011 Annual Report under “Revenue Recognition,” certain FCX copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold sales contracts provide for provisional pricing primarily based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) price (copper) or the COMEX price (copper) and the London Bullion Market Association (London PM) price (gold) at the time of shipment as specified in the contract. Similarly, FCX purchases copper and molybdenum under contracts that provide for provisional pricing (molybdenum purchases are generally based on an average Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide price). FCX applies the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in accordance with derivatives and hedge accounting guidance to the host sales agreements since the contracts do not allow for net settlement and always result in physical delivery. Sales and purchases with a provisional sales price contain an embedded derivative (i.e., the price settlement mechanism that is settled after the time of delivery) that is required to be bifurcated from the host contract. The host contract is the sale or purchase of the metals contained in the concentrates or cathodes at the then-current LME or COMEX price

11

(copper), London PM price (gold) or the average Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide price (molybdenum) as defined in the contract. Mark-to-market price fluctuations recorded through the settlement date are reflected in revenues for sales contracts and in cost of sales as production and delivery costs for purchase contracts. A summary of FCX’s embedded derivatives at September 30, 2012, follows:

	Open Positions	Average Price Per Unit				Maturities Through
		Contract		Market
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	557	$	3.49	$	3.72	March 2013
Gold (thousands of ounces)	67	1,698		1,781		December 2012
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	326	3.50		3.72		January 2013

Copper Forward Contracts. Atlantic Copper, FCX’s wholly owned smelting and refining unit in Spain, enters into forward copper contracts designed to hedge its copper price risk whenever its physical purchases and sales pricing periods do not match. These economic hedge transactions are intended to hedge against changes in copper prices, with the mark-to-market hedging gains or losses recorded in cost of sales. At September 30, 2012, Atlantic Copper held net forward copper purchase contracts for 31 million pounds at an average contract price of $3.71 per pound, with maturities through December 2012.

A summary of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contractsa	$	164	$	(657	)	$	188	$	(682	)
Copper forward contractsb	5		4			17		(2		)

a. Amounts recorded in revenues. 

b. Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

Unsettled Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the fair values of unsettled derivative financial instruments recorded on the consolidated balance sheets follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Copper futures and swap contracts:a
Asset positionb	$	11	$	3
Liability positionc	1		13
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase contracts:d
Asset position	$	131	$	72
Liability position	74		82
Copper forward contracts:
Asset positionb	1		2
Liability positionc	1		—

a. FCX received $1 million from brokers associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities) as of September 30, 2012, and FCX paid $31 million for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets) as of December 31, 2011. In addition, FCX held $3 million in margin funding from customers as of December 31, 2011, associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities).

b. Amounts recorded in other current assets. 

c. Amounts recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

d. Amounts recorded either as a net accounts receivable or a net accounts payable.

12

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts.  As a global company, FCX transacts business in many countries and in many currencies. Foreign currency transactions of FCX’s international subsidiaries increase its risks because exchange rates can change between the time agreements are made and the time foreign currency transactions are settled. FCX may hedge or protect its international subsidiaries’ foreign currency transactions from time to time by entering into forward exchange contracts to lock in or minimize the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates. FCX had no outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts at September 30, 2012.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts.  From time to time, FCX or its subsidiaries may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate changes and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed-rate versus floating-rate debt based on current and projected market conditions. FCX may enter into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts to protect against changes in the fair value of the underlying fixed-rate debt that result from market interest rate changes and to take advantage of lower interest rates. FCX had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2012.

Credit Risk.  FCX is exposed to credit loss when financial institutions with which FCX has entered into derivative transactions (commodity, foreign exchange and interest rate swaps) are unable to pay. To minimize the risk of such losses, FCX uses counterparties that meet certain credit requirements and periodically reviews the creditworthiness of these counterparties. FCX does not anticipate that any of the counterparties it deals with will default on their obligations. As of September 30, 2012, FCX did not have any significant credit exposure associated with derivative transactions.

Other Financial Instruments.  Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trust assets, investment securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable and long-term debt. Refer to Note 7 for the fair values of these financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, and Dividends Payable. The financial statement amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments and generally negligible credit losses.

Trust Assets and Investment Securities. The financial statement amount represents the fair value of trust assets and investment securities except for the investment in McMoRan Exploration Co.'s (MMR) 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, which is recorded at cost.

Long-Term Debt. The financial statement amount represents cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). FCX did not have any significant transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 for the third quarter of 2012.

13

The carrying value for certain FCX financial instruments (i.e., cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable) approximate fair value because of their short-term nature and generally negligible credit losses. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s other financial instruments follows (in millions):

	At September 30, 2012
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	453		436		—		436		—
Money market fundsa, c	47		47		47		—		—
Equity securitiesa, c	8		8		8		—		—
Total investment securities	508		491		55		436		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
U.S. core fixed income fund	49		49		—		49		—
Government mortgage-backed securities	41		41		—		41		—
Corporate bonds	30		30		—		30		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Asset-backed securities	13		13		—		13		—
Money market funds	6		6		6		—		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	161		161		6		155		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	131		131		—		131		—
Copper futures and swap contractse	11		11		10		1		—
Copper forward contractse	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative assets	143		143		11		132		—
Total assets			$	3,848	$	3,125	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	74	$	74	$	—	$	74	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Copper forward contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative liabilities	76		76		2		74		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,523		3,632		—		3,632		—
Total liabilities			$	3,708	$	2	$	3,706	$	—

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	At December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	475		507		—		507		—
Equity securitiesa, c	9		9		9		—		—
Money market fundsa, c	2		2		2		—		—
Total investment securities	486		518		11		507		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
Government mortgage-backed securities	47		47		—		47		—
U.S. core fixed income fund	46		46		—		46		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Corporate bonds	19		19		—		19		—
Money market funds	9		9		9		—		—
Asset-backed securities	9		9		—		9		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	152		152		9		143		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	72		72		—		72		—
Copper futures and swaps contractse	3		3		3		—		—
Copper forward contractse	2		2		1		1		—
Total derivative assets	77		77		4		73		—
Total assets			$	4,754	$	4,031	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	82	$	82	$	—	$	82	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	13		13		11		2		—
Total derivative liabilities	95		95		11		84		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,537		3,797		—		3,797		—
Total liabilities			$	3,892	$	11	$	3,881	$	—

a. Recorded at fair value. 

b. Recorded at cost and included in other assets.

c. Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets. 

d. Embedded derivatives are recorded in accounts receivable and/or accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

e. Included in other current assets.

f. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

g. Recorded at cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

15

Valuation Techniques

Money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

MMR's 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock is not actively traded; therefore, FCX's investment in the MMR 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock is valued based on a pricing simulation model that uses the quoted market prices of MMR's publicly traded common stock as the most significant observable input and other inputs, such as expected volatility, expected settlement date, and risk-free interest rate. Therefore, this investment is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fixed income securities (government and agency securities, U.S. core fixed income funds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities) are valued using a bid evaluation or a mid evaluation. A bid evaluation is an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. A mid evaluation is the average of the estimated price at which a

dealer would sell a security and the estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. These evaluations are based on quoted prices, if available, or models that use observable inputs and, as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and, as such, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold purchases and sales have critical inputs of quoted monthly LME or COMEX copper forward prices and the London PM gold forward price at each reporting date based on the month of maturity; however, FCX's contracts themselves are not traded on an exchange. Likewise, FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional molybdenum purchases have critical inputs based on the latest average weekly Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide prices; however, FCX's contracts themselves are not traded on an exchange. As a result, these derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

FCX’s derivative financial instruments for copper futures and swap contracts and copper forward contracts that are traded on the respective exchanges are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted monthly COMEX or LME forward prices at each reporting date based on the month of maturity (refer to Note 6 for further discussion). Certain of these contracts are traded on the over-the-counter market and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-term debt, including current portion, is not actively traded and is valued using prices obtained from a readily available pricing source and, as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The techniques described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while FCX believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different techniques or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the techniques used at September 30, 2012.

8. CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

Environmental. FCX's mining, exploration, production and historical operating activities are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. FCX reviews changes in facts and circumstances associated with its environmental and reclamation obligations at least quarterly. There have been no material changes to FCX's environmental and reclamation obligations since year-end 2011. However, updated cost assumptions, including increases and decreases to cost estimates, changes in the anticipated scope and timing of remediation activities and settlement of environmental matters may result in revisions to certain environmental obligations. As a result, FCX recorded adjustments to environmental obligations totaling net credits of $82 million in third-quarter2012 and $36 million during the first nine months of2012, and net charges of $31 million in third-quarter2011 and $35 million during the first nine months of2011.

16

Gilt Edge Mine Site. On July 12, 2010, FCX was notified by the U.S. Department of Justice, acting at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that it was preparing to file suit in federal court against two of its wholly owned subsidiaries (Cyprus Mines Corporation and Cyprus Amax Minerals Company) and several other parties to recover costs incurred or to be incurred by the U.S. in remediating hazardous substances at the Gilt Edge mine site in Lawrence County, South Dakota. In September 2011, FCX reached an agreement in principle to settle this matter for an amount that is not material to FCX and less than the amount included for this matter in FCX's aggregate environmental obligations. The consent decree was finalized and approved by the court on October 10, 2012.

Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs). During third-quarter 2012, Cerro Verde updated its closure plan and increased its ARO by $77 million to reflect revised cost estimates and accelerated timing of certain closure activities.

Litigation. There have been no material updates to previously reported legal proceedings included in Note 13 of FCX's 2011 Annual Report and in Note 8 of FCX's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012.

Other Contingencies. The Indonesian tax authorities issued assessments for various audit exceptions on

PT Freeport Indonesia's income tax returns as follows (in millions):

Date of assessment	Tax return year	Tax assessment		Interest assessment		Total
October 2010	2005	$	106	$	52	$	158
November 2011	2006	22		10		32
March 2012	2007	91		44		135
Total		$	219	$	106	$	325

PT Freeport Indonesia has filed objections to the assessments. During first-quarter 2012, PT Freeport Indonesia's objections to the assessments related to 2005 were substantially all rejected by the Indonesian tax authorities and, in May 2012, appeals were filed with the Indonesian Tax Court. As of September 30, 2012, PT Freeport Indonesia has paid $158 million (of which $124 million is included in long-term receivables) for the disputed tax assessments related to 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Mining Contracts. Effective March 26, 2012, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government issued a Presidential Decree approving the modifications to TFM's bylaws. As a result, FCX's effective ownership interest in TFM was reduced from 57.75 percent to 56.0 percent and $50 million of TFM's intercompany loans payable to FMC were converted to equity.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) in connection with guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This ASU clarifies the FASB's intent on current guidance, modifies and changes certain guidance and principles, and expands disclosures concerning Level 3 fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy (including quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). In addition, this ASU requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but whose fair value is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. FCX adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012.

17

In June 2011, FASB issued an ASU in connection with guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of this ASU is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This ASU requires an entity to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income (includes net income) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity, but does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, FCX adopted this ASU and presented total comprehensive income in a separate statement. Additionally, in December 2011, FASB deferred the effective date in this ASU for presenting reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

FCX evaluated events after September 30, 2012, and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these consolidated financial statements.

11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

FCX has organized its operations into five primary divisions – North America copper mines, South America mining, Indonesia mining, Africa mining and Molybdenum operations. Notwithstanding this structure, FCX internally reports information on a mine-by-mine basis. Therefore, FCX concluded that its operating segments include individual mines or operations. Operating segments that meet certain thresholds are reportable segments.

Intersegment Sales. Intersegment sales between FCX’s operations are based on similar arms-length transactions with third parties at the time of the sale. Intersegment sales may not be reflective of the actual prices ultimately realized because of a variety of factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to unaffiliated customers and transportation premiums.

Allocations. FCX allocates certain operating costs, expenses and capital expenditures to its operating divisions and individual segments. However, not all costs and expenses applicable to a mine or operation are allocated. U.S. federal and state income taxes are recorded and managed at the corporate level, whereas foreign income taxes are recorded and managed at the applicable country. In addition, most exploration and research activities are managed at the corporate level, and those costs along with some selling, general and administrative costs are not allocated to the operating divisions or segments. Accordingly, the following segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of what the actual financial performance of each operating division or segment would be if it was an independent entity.

18

Business Segments

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America										Indonesia			Africa
																												Atlantic			Corporate,
																												Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro				Other											Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde				Mines			Total			Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	39	$	10		$	49		$	504			$	491		$	995		$	845	a	$	365	$	308	$	1,221	$	633		$	1		$	4,417
Intersegment	456		811			1,267			71				126			197			146			2		—		7		5			(1,624		)	—
Production and delivery	268		492			760			197				333			530			587			172		273		1,222		624			(1,576		)	2,592
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	31		57			88			39				35			74			54			42		18		2		11			9			298
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			31			2		3		—		4			67			110
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			78			79
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			(73		)	(73		)
Operating income (loss)	195		271			466			338				248			586			319			151		14		4		(1		)	(128		)	1,411
Interest expense, net	1		1			2			—				—			—			3			—		—		—		3			34			42
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—		—			—			(88		)	b	72			(16		)	111			28		—		—		—			92			215
Total assets at September 30, 2012	2,297		5,528			7,825			5,704				4,232			9,936			6,393			4,490		2,580		330		1,192			1,771			34,517
Capital expenditures	108		164			272			180				87			267			237			131		44		2		4			14			971
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	78	$	44		$	122		$	396			$	570		$	966		$	1,275	a	$	275	$	332	$	1,389	$	834		$	2		$	5,195
Intersegment	450		847			1,297			105				(18		)	87			87			1		—		7		3			(1,482		)	—
Production and delivery	252		412			664			196				282			478			503			142		260		1,390		826			(1,693		)	2,570
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	27		40			67			32				32			64			62			32		14		2		11			5			257
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			29			1		3		—		5			61			102
Exploration and research expenses	3		—			3			—				—			—			—			—		1		—		—			74			78
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	1		(15		)	(14		)	—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			52			38
Operating income (loss)	245		453			698			272				237			509			768			101		54		4		(5		)	21			2,150
Interest expense, net	—		1			1			—				—			—			7			2		—		—		4			64			78
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			154				48			202			333			20		—		—		—			253			808
Total assets at September 30, 2011	1,981		4,966			6,947			4,886				3,475			8,361			5,437			3,791		2,342		323		955			3,552			31,708
Capital expenditures	21		117			138			64				110			174			162			49		155		2		5			32			717

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $520 million in third-quarter2012 and $665 million in third-quarter2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

19

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America							Indonesia			Africa
																									Atlantic			Corporate,
																									Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro			Other									Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde			Mines		Total		Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	157	$	22		$	179		$	1,285		$	1,563	$	2,848	$	2,673	a	$	985	$	982	$	3,802	$	2,023		$	5		$	13,497
Intersegment	1,374		2,646			4,020			349			265		614		224			9		—		20		22			(4,909		)	—
Production and delivery	803		1,446			2,249			575			908		1,483		1,676			456		812		3,800		1,988			(4,822		)	7,642
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	95		180			275			102			106		208		153			114		47		7		31			21			856
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			2			3		5		91			5		9		—		14			184			311
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—			—		—		—			—		2		—		—			211			214
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		42			42			—			—		—		—			—		—		—		—			(24		)	18
Operating income (loss)	631		998			1,629			955			811		1,766		977			419		112		15		12			(474		)	4,456
Interest expense, net	1		3			4			5			—		5		6			—		—		—		9			124			148
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			131		b	244		375		387			79		—		—		—			287			1,128
Capital expenditures	204		365			569			365			294		659		624			428		197		5		11			25			2,518
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	371	$	154		$	525		$	1,662		$	1,803	$	3,465	$	4,112	a	$	959	$	1,119	$	4,291	$	2,241		$	6		$	16,718
Intersegment	1,274		2,540			3,814			303			135		438		544			4		—		19		11			(4,830		)	—
Production and delivery	719		1,204			1,923			569			761		1,330		1,547			422		786		4,292		2,274			(5,070		)	7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	85		111			196			102			85		187		179			98		44		6		30			16			756
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			3			2		5		100			6		11		—		18			180			323
Exploration and research expenses	4		—			4			—			—		—		—			—		3		—		—			187			194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	4		(15		)	(11		)	—			—		—		—			—		—		1		—			108			98
Operating income (loss)	832		1,392			2,224			1,291			1,090		2,381		2,830			437		275		11		(70		)	(245		)	7,843
Interest expense, net	2		4			6			1			—		1		9			5		—		—		12			217			250
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			476			353		829		1,234			100		—		—		—			535			2,698
Capital expenditures	69		273			342			120			311		431		463			89		317		7		29			71			1,749

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2012 and $2.0 billion for the first nine months of 2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

20

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. as of September 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated statement of equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. as of December 31, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and equity for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 27, 2012, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

November 2, 2012

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

OVERVIEW

In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) and its consolidated subsidiaries. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our financial statements, the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the discussion of our Business and Properties in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The results of operations reported and summarized below are not necessarily indicative of future operating results (refer to "Cautionary Statement" for further discussion). References to “Notes” are Notes included in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Throughout Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations all references to earnings or losses per share are on a diluted basis, unless otherwise noted.

We are one of the world’s largest copper, gold and molybdenum mining companies in terms of reserves and production. Our portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, significant mining operations in North and South America, and the Tenke Fungurume (Tenke) minerals district in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Grasberg minerals district contains the largest single recoverable copper reserve and the largest single gold reserve of any mine in the world based on the latest available reserve data provided by third-party industry consultants. We also operate Atlantic Copper, our wholly owned copper smelting and refining unit in Spain.

Our results for the third quarter and first nine months of2012, compared with the 2011 periods, primarily reflected lower copper and gold sales volumes. Results for the first nine months of 2012 were also impacted by lower copper prices. Our net income attributable to common stockholders also includes net credits for adjustments to Cerro Verde's deferred income taxes and to our environmental and related litigation reserves totaling $168 million for third-quarter2012 and $116 million for the first nine months of2012, compared with net charges totaling $73 million for third-quarter2011 and $113 million for the first nine months of2011. Refer to “Consolidated Results” for further discussion of our consolidated financial results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

In May 2012, our Climax molybdenum mine began commercial production. Depending on market conditions, production from the Climax mine may ramp up to a rate of 20 million pounds of molybdenum per year during 2013, with the potential to produce 30 million pounds of molybdenum per year.

At September 30, 2012, we had $3.7 billion in consolidated cash and cash equivalents and $3.5 billion in total debt. In February 2012, we sold $3.0 billion of senior notes in three tranches with a weighted average interest rate of approximately three percent. We used the proceeds from this offering, plus cash on hand, to redeem the remaining $3.0 billion of our 8.375% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 5 and “Capital Resources and Liquidity – Financing Activities” for further discussion.

In February 2012, our Board of Directors (the Board) authorized an increase in the cash dividend on our common stock to an annual rate of $1.25 per share ($0.3125 per share quarterly). Refer to Note 5 for further discussion.

At current copper prices, we expect to produce significant operating cash flows, and to use our cash to invest in our development projects, including the underground development projects at Grasberg and the expansion projects at Morenci, Cerro Verde and Tenke, as well as to return cash to shareholders through common stock dividends and/or share repurchases.

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OUTLOOK

We view the long-term outlook for our business positively, supported by limitations on supplies of copper and by the requirements for copper in the world’s economy. We will continue to adjust our operating strategy as market conditions change. Our financial results vary with fluctuations in market prices for copper, gold and molybdenum and other factors. World market prices for these commodities have fluctuated historically and are affected by numerous factors beyond our control. Because we cannot control the price of our products, the key measures that management focuses on in operating our business are sales volumes, unit net cash costs and operating cash flow. Discussion of the outlook for each of these measures follows.

Sales Volumes. Consolidated sales from mines for the year 2012 are expected to approximate 3.6 billion pounds of copper, 1.0 million ounces of gold and 82 million pounds of molybdenum, including 930 million pounds of copper, 255 thousand ounces of gold and 20 million pounds of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012. Expected gold sales for 2012 are approximately 50,000 ounces less than the estimates provided in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, because of lower gold production at Grasberg. Consolidated sales from mines for the year 2013 are expected to total 4.3 billion pounds of copper, 1.4 million ounces of gold and 90 million pounds of molybdenum. Projected sales volumes are dependent on a number of factors, including achievement of targeted mining rates, the successful operation of production facilities, the impact of weather conditions and other factors.

Unit Net Cash Costs. Quarterly unit net cash costs will vary with fluctuations in sales volumes and average realized prices for gold and molybdenum. Assuming average prices of $1,700 per ounce of gold and $11 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012, and achievement of current 2012 sales volume and cost estimates, consolidated unit site production and delivery costs, before net noncash and other costs, for our copper mining operations are expected to average $2.03 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.50 per pound of copper for the year 2012 (fourth-quarter 2012 consolidated site production and delivery costs are expected to average $2.11 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.62 per pound of copper). The impact of price changes during fourth-quarter2012 on consolidated unit net cash costs for the year 2012 would approximate $0.004 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold, and $0.004 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum. Assuming consistent commodity price assumptions, unit net cash costs for 2013 are expected to be lower than 2012 because of projected increased copper and gold volumes at Grasberg. Refer to “Consolidated Results – Production and Delivery Costs” for further discussion of consolidated production and delivery costs.

Operating Cash Flows. Our operating cash flows vary with prices realized from copper, gold and molybdenum sales, our sales volumes, production costs, income taxes and other working capital changes and other factors. Based on current 2012 sales volume and cost estimates, and assuming average prices of $3.70 per pound of copper, $1,700 per ounce of gold and $11 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012, consolidated operating cash flows are estimated to approximate $4.0 billion for the year 2012 (net of an estimated $1.4 billion in working capital uses and other tax payments). Projected operating cash flows for the year 2012 also reflect estimated taxes of $1.6 billion (refer to “Consolidated Results – Provision for Income Taxes” for further discussion of our projected consolidated effective annual tax rate for 2012). The impact of price changes for fourth-quarter2012 on operating cash flows would approximate $80 million for each $0.10 per pound change in the average price of copper, $20 million for each $100 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $10 million for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum.

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COPPER, GOLD AND MOLYBDENUM MARKETS

World prices for copper, gold and molybdenum can fluctuate significantly. During the period from January 2002 through October 2012, the London Metal Exchange (LME) spot copper price varied from a low of $0.64 per pound in 2002 to a record high of $4.60 per pound in February 2011, the London Bullion Market Association (London) gold price fluctuated from a low of $278 per ounce in 2002 to a record high of $1,895 per ounce in September 2011, and the Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide weekly average price ranged from a low of $2.43 per pound in 2002 to a record high of $39.25 per pound in 2005. Copper, gold and molybdenum prices are affected by numerous factors beyond our control as described further in our “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

This graph presents LME spot copper prices and the combined reported stocks of copper at the LME, the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) and the Shanghai Futures Exchange from January 2002 through October 2012. From 2006 through most of 2008, limited supplies, combined with growing demand from China and other emerging economies, resulted in high copper prices and low levels of inventories. In late 2008, slowing consumption, turmoil in the U.S. financial markets and concerns about the global economy led to a sharp decline in copper prices, which reached a low of $1.26 per pound in December 2008. Higher copper prices since the 2008 low are attributable to a combination of demand from emerging markets and limitations on available supply. During third-quarter2012, LME spot copper prices ranged from $3.32 per pound to $3.81 per pound, averaged $3.50 per pound and closed at $3.75 per pound on September 30, 2012. While global economic concerns continue to influence prices, global exchange inventories have declined, representing less than two weeks of global demand.

We believe the underlying long-term fundamentals of the copper business remain positive, supported by the significant role of copper in the global economy and limited supplies. Future copper prices are expected to be volatile and are likely to be influenced by demand from China and emerging markets, economic activity in the U.S. and other industrialized countries, the timing of the development of new supplies of copper and production levels of mines and copper smelters. The LME spot copper price closed at $3.55 per pound on October 31, 2012.

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This graph presents London p.m. gold prices from January 2002 through October 2012. During third-quarter2012, gold prices ranged from $1,556 per ounce to $1,785 per ounce, averaged $1,652 per ounce and closed at $1,776 per ounce on September 30, 2012. Gold prices closed at $1,719 per ounce on October 31, 2012.

This graph presents the Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide weekly average prices from January 2002 through October 2012. In late 2008, molybdenum prices declined significantly as a result of the financial market turmoil and a decline in demand. During third-quarter2012, the weekly average price of molybdenum ranged from $10.90 per pound to $12.95 per pound, averaged $11.93 per pound and closed at $11.65 on September 30, 2012. Average Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide prices were lower in third-quarter2012, compared with second-quarter 2012, reflecting weaker demand and cautious buying activity in response to the global economic situation. The Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide weekly average price was $11.05 per pound on October 31, 2012.

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Financial Data (in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenuesa,b	$	4,417		$	5,195		$	13,497		$	16,718
Operating incomea,c	$	1,411	d	$	2,150	d	$	4,456	d	$	7,843	d
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	824	d,e	$	1,053	d,e	$	2,298	d,e,f	$	3,920	d,e,f
Diluted net income per share attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	0.86	d,e	$	1.10	d,e	$	2.41	d,e,f	$	4.10	d,e,f
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	953			955			953			955
Mining Operating Data
Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	938			951			2,658			2,868
Sales, excluding purchases	922			947			2,676			2,875
Average realized price per pound	$	3.64		$	3.60		$	3.63		$	3.94
Site production and delivery costs per poundg	$	2.03		$	1.71		$	2.00		$	1.65
Unit net cash costs per poundg	$	1.62		$	0.80		$	1.46		$	0.84
Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)
Production	204			385			707			1,202
Sales, excluding purchases	202			409			756			1,245
Average realized price per ounce	$	1,728		$	1,693		$	1,666		$	1,565
Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	20			23			61			65
Sales, excluding purchases	21			19			62			60
Average realized price per pound	$	13.62		$	16.34		$	14.79		$	17.57

a. Refer to Note 11 for a summary of revenues and operating income by business segment.

b. Includes the impact of adjustments to provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales recognized in prior periods (refer to “Revenues” below for further discussion). 

c. We defer recognizing profits on intercompany sales until final sales to third parties occur. Refer to "Operations - Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining" for a summary of net impacts from changes in these deferrals.

d. Includes net (credits) charges for adjustments to environmental obligations and related litigation reserves totaling $(85) million ($(68) million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $(0.07) per share) for third-quarter 2012, $29 million ($23 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.02 per share) for third-quarter2011, $(19) million ($(16) million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $(0.02) per share) for the first nine months of2012 and $78 million ($63 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) for the first nine months of2011.

e. The 2012 periods include a net tax credit of $100 million, net of noncontrolling interests ($0.11 per share), associated with adjustments to Cerro Verde's deferred income taxes. The 2011 periods include a tax charge of $50 million, net of noncontrolling interests ($0.05 per share) for additional taxes associated with Cerro Verde's election to pay a special mining burden during the remaining term of its stability agreement. Refer to Note 4 and "Provision for Income Taxes" below for further discussion of these amounts.

f. Includes losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $149 million ($0.16 per share) for the first nine months of2012 and $60 million ($0.06 per share) for the first nine months of2011 (refer to Note 5 for further discussion).

g. Reflects per pound weighted-average production and delivery costs and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for all copper mines, before net noncash and other costs. For reconciliations of the per pound costs by operating division to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements, refer to “Operations – Unit Net Cash Costs” and to “Product Revenues and Production Costs.”

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Revenues

Consolidated revenues totaled $4.4 billion in third-quarter2012 and $13.5 billion for the first nine months of2012, compared with $5.2 billion in third-quarter2011 and $16.7 billion for the first nine months of2011. Consolidated revenues include the sale of copper concentrates, copper cathodes, copper rod, gold, molybdenum and other metals by our North and South America copper mines, the sale of copper concentrates (which also contain significant quantities of gold and silver) by our Indonesia mining operations, the sale of copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide by our Africa mining operations, the sale of molybdenum in various forms by our Molybdenum operations, and the sale of copper cathodes, copper anodes, and gold in anodes and slimes by Atlantic Copper.

Following is a summary of changes in our consolidated revenues between periods (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
Consolidated revenues - 2011 periods	$	5,195		$	16,718
Higher (lower) price realizations from mining operations:
Copper	37			(830		)
Gold	7			76
Molybdenum	(57		)	(174		)
Silver	(16		)	(40		)
Cobalt	(14		)	(44		)
(Lower) higher sales volumes from mining operations:
Copper	(89		)	(783		)
Gold	(351		)	(765		)
Molybdenum	33			38
Silver	(27		)	(60		)
Cobalt	23			—
Favorable impact of net adjustments to prior period provisionally priced sales	216			132
Lower purchased copper	(51		)	(437		)
Lower Atlantic Copper revenues	(199		)	(207		)
Other, including intercompany eliminations	(290		)	(127		)
Consolidated revenues - 2012 periods	$	4,417		$	13,497

Price Realizations

Our consolidated revenues vary as a result of fluctuations in the market prices of copper, gold, molybdenum, silver and cobalt. Realized copper prices averaged $3.64 per pound in third-quarter2012 (compared with $3.60 per pound in third-quarter2011) and $3.63 per pound for the first nine months of2012 (compared with $3.94 for the first nine months of2011). Realized gold prices averaged $1,728 per ounce in third-quarter2012 (compared with $1,693 per ounce in third-quarter2011) and $1,666 per ounce for the first nine months of2012 (compared with $1,565 per ounce for the first nine months of2011). Realized molybdenum prices averaged $13.62 per pound in third-quarter2012 (compared with $16.34 per pound in third-quarter2011) and $14.79 per pound for the first nine months of2012 (compared with $17.57 per pound for the first nine months of2011).

Sales Volumes

Consolidated sales volumes totaled 922 million pounds of copper, 202 thousand ounces of gold and 21 million pounds of molybdenum in third-quarter2012, compared with 947 million pounds of copper, 409 thousand ounces of gold and 19 million pounds of molybdenum in third-quarter2011. For the first nine months of2012, consolidated sales volumes totaled 2.7 billion pounds of copper, 756 thousand ounces of gold and 62 million pounds of molybdenum, compared with 2.9 billion pounds of copper, 1.2 million ounces of gold and 60 million pounds of molybdenum for the first nine months of2011. Lower consolidated copper and gold sales volumes in the 2012 periods primarily reflected lower ore grades in Indonesia, partly offset by increased production in North America and Africa. Lower copper and gold sales volumes for the first nine months of 2012 also reflected lower production rates in Indonesia resulting from the first-quarter 2012 work interruptions and related temporary suspension of operations, and lower copper volumes in South America. Refer to “Operations” for further discussion of sales volumes at our operating divisions.

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Provisionally Priced Copper Sales

During the first nine months of 2012, 45 percent of our mined copper was sold in concentrate, 28 percent as cathode and 27 percent as rod from our North America operations. Substantially all of our copper concentrate and cathode sales contracts provide final copper pricing in a specified future month (generally one to four months from the shipment date) based primarily on quoted LME monthly average spot copper prices. We receive market prices based on prices in the specified future period, which results in price fluctuations recorded through revenues until the date of settlement. We record revenues and invoice customers at the time of shipment based on then-current LME prices, which results in an embedded derivative on our provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales that is adjusted to fair value through earnings each period, using the period-end forward prices, until the date of final pricing. To the extent final prices are higher or lower than what was recorded on a provisional basis, an increase or decrease to revenues is recorded each reporting period until the date of final pricing. Accordingly, in times of rising copper prices, our revenues benefit from adjustments to the final pricing of provisionally priced sales pursuant to contracts entered into in prior periods; in times of falling copper prices, the opposite occurs.

At June 30, 2012, we had provisionally priced copper sales at our copper mining operations, primarily South America and Indonesia, totaling 329 million pounds of copper (net of intercompany sales and noncontrolling interests) recorded at an average of $3.49 per pound. Higher prices during third-quarter2012 resulted in adjustments to these provisionally priced copper sales that favorably impacted consolidated revenues by $24 million ($12 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) in third-quarter2012, compared with adjustments to the June 30, 2011, provisionally priced copper sales that unfavorably impacted third-quarter2011 revenues by $213 million ($100 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.11 per share). Adjustments to the December 31, 2011, provisionally priced copper sales favorably impacted consolidated revenues by $101 million ($43 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.05 per share) for the first nine months of2012, compared with adjustments to the December 31, 2010, provisionally priced copper sales that unfavorably impacted consolidated revenues by $12 million ($5 million to net income attributable to common stockholders or $0.01 per share) for the first nine months of2011.

At September 30, 2012, we had provisionally priced copper sales at our copper mining operations, primarily South America and Indonesia, totaling 325 million pounds of copper (net of intercompany sales and noncontrolling interests) recorded at an average of $3.72 per pound, subject to final pricing over the next several months. We estimate that each $0.05 change in the price realized from the September 30, 2012, provisional price recorded would have a net impact on our 2012 consolidated revenues of approximately $23 million ($11 million to net income attributable to common stockholders). The LME spot copper price closed at $3.55 per pound on October 31, 2012.

Purchased Copper

From time to time, we purchase copper cathode to be processed by our Rod & Refining operations when production from our North America copper mines does not meet customer demand.

Atlantic Copper Revenues

The decrease in Atlantic Copper's revenues in the 2012 periods, compared with the 2011 periods, primarily reflected lower production in third-quarter2012 and lower copper realizations for the first nine months of2012. Refer to "Operations - Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining" for further discussion.

Production and Delivery Costs

Consolidated production and delivery costs totaled $2.6 billion in both the third quarters of 2012 and 2011, $7.6 billion for the first nine months of2012 and $7.5 billion for the first nine months of2011.

Consolidated unit site production and delivery costs, before net noncash and other costs, for our copper mining operations averaged $2.03 per pound of copper in third-quarter2012 and $2.00 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2012, compared with $1.71 per pound of copper in third-quarter2011 and $1.65 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2011. Higher unit site production and delivery costs in the 2012 periods primarily reflected lower copper sales volumes in Indonesia and higher mining costs. Assuming average prices of $1,700 per ounce of gold and $11 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012, and achievement of current 2012 cost estimates, consolidated unit site production and delivery costs are expected to average $2.03 per pound of copper for the year 2012 ($2.11 for fourth-quarter 2012). Consolidated unit net cash costs for 2013 are expected to be lower than 2012 because of projected increased copper and gold volumes at Grasberg. Refer to “Operations – Unit Net Cash Costs” for further discussion of unit net cash costs associated with our operating divisions, and to “Product Revenues and Production Costs” for reconciliations of per pound costs by operating division to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

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Our copper mining operations require significant energy, principally diesel, electricity, coal and natural gas. For the year 2012, energy costs are expected to approximate 21 percent of our consolidated copper production costs, which reflects projected purchases of approximately 255 million gallons of diesel fuel; 6,900 gigawatt hours of electricity at our North America, South America and Africa copper mining operations (we generate all of our power at our Indonesia mining operation); 700 thousand metric tons of coal for our coal power plant in Indonesia; and 1 million MMBTU (million british thermal units) of natural gas at certain of our North America mines. Energy costs for 2011 approximated 21 percent of our consolidated copper production costs.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

Consolidated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense totaled $298 million in third-quarter2012, $856 million for the first nine months of2012, $257 million in third-quarter2011 and $756 million for the first nine months of2011. Depreciation will vary under the unit of production (UOP) method as a result of increases and decreases in sales volumes and the related UOP rates at our mining operations. Higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the 2012 periods, compared with the 2011 periods, primarily reflected higher production and asset additions in North America, partly offset by lower production in Indonesia.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $110 million in third-quarter2012, $102 million in third-quarter2011, $311 million for the first nine months of2012 and $323 million for the first nine months of2011.

Exploration and Research Expenses

Consolidated exploration and research expenses totaled $79 million in third-quarter2012 and $214 million for the first nine months of2012, compared with $78 million in third-quarter2011 and $194 million for the first nine months of2011. We are actively conducting exploration activities near our existing mines with a focus on opportunities to expand reserves that will support additional future production capacity in the large mineral districts where we currently operate. Exploration results indicate opportunities for what we believe could be significant future potential reserve additions in North and South America and in the Tenke minerals district. The drilling data in North America continues to indicate the potential for expanded sulfide production.

For the year 2012, exploration and research expenditures are expected to total approximately $290 million, including approximately $255 million for exploration. Exploration activities will continue to focus primarily on the potential for future reserve additions in our existing mineral districts.

Environmental Obligations and Shutdown Costs

Environmental obligation costs (credits) reflect net revisions to our long-term environmental obligations, which will vary from period to period because of changes to environmental laws and regulations, the settlement of environmental matters and/or circumstances affecting our operations that could result in significant changes in our estimates. Shutdown costs include care and maintenance costs and any litigation, remediation or related expenditures associated with closed facilities or operations.

Environmental obligations and shutdown costs totaled a net credit of $73 million in third-quarter2012, and net charges of $18 million for the first nine months of2012, $38 million in third-quarter2011 and $98 million for the first nine months of2011. Refer to Note 8 and "Contingencies" for further discussion of environmental obligations and litigation matters associated with closed facilities or operations.

Interest Expense, Net

Consolidated interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) totaled $56 million in third-quarter2012 and $210 million for the first nine months of2012, compared with $105 million in third-quarter2011 and $325 million for the first nine months of2011. Lower interest expense for the 2012 periods primarily reflected the impact of the first-quarter 2012 refinancing transaction.

Capitalized interest is primarily related to our development projects and totaled $14 million in third-quarter2012 and $62 million for the first nine months of2012, compared with $27 million in third-quarter2011 and $75 million for the first nine months of2011. Refer to “Operations” for further discussion of current development projects.

Losses on Early Extinguishment of Debt

We recorded losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $168 million for the first nine months of2012 associated with the redemption of our remaining 8.375% Senior Notes.

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We recorded losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $68 million for the first nine months of2011 associated with the redemption of our 8.25% Senior Notes, the revolving credit facilities that were replaced in March 2011 by a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility and open-market purchases of our 9.5% Senior Notes.

Refer to Note 5 for further discussion of these transactions.

Provision for Income Taxes

Following is a summary of the approximate amounts in the calculation of our consolidated provision for income taxes for the 2012 and 2011 periods (in millions, except percentages):

	Nine Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012								September 30, 2011
	Incomea		Effective Tax Rate		Income Tax (Provision) Benefit				Incomea		Effective Tax Rate	Income Tax (Provision) Benefit
U.S.	$	1,231	24%		$	(291	)		$	1,772	24%	$	(421	)
South America	1,675		36%		(609		)	b	2,326		36%	(829		)	c
Indonesia	940		41%		(387		)		2,870		43%	(1,234		)
Africa	263		30%		(79		)		293		34%	(100		)
Eliminations and other	54		N/A		10				304		N/A	(127		)
Annualized rate adjustmentd	N/A		N/A		(6		)		N/A		N/A	13
	4,163		33%	f	(1,362		)		7,565		36%	(2,698		)
Deferred tax liability adjustmente	—		N/A		234				—		N/A	—
Consolidated FCX	$	4,163	27%		$	(1,128	)		$	7,565	36%	$	(2,698	)

a. Represents income by geographic location before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings.

b. In July 2012, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (Cerro Verde) signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which is expected to become effective after the current mining stability agreement expires on December 31, 2013. In connection with the new mining stability agreement, Cerro Verde's income tax rate will increase from 30 percent to 32 percent. As a result of the change in the income tax rate, we recognized additional deferred tax expense of $26 million ($23 million net of noncontrolling interest) in third-quarter 2012, which relates primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Freeport-McMoRan Corporation (FMC).

c. In September 2011, Peru enacted a new mining tax and royalty regime and also created a special mining burden that companies with stability agreements could elect to pay. Cerro Verde elected to pay this special mining burden during the remaining term of its stability agreement. As a result, Cerro Verde recognized additional current and deferred tax expense of $57 million ($50 million net of noncontrolling interest) in third-quarter 2011. The deferred portion of this accrual relates primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of FMC.

d. In accordance with applicable accounting rules, we adjust our interim provision for income taxes equal to our estimated annualized tax rate.

e. With the exception of Tenke Fungurume S.A.R.L. (TFM), we have not elected to permanently reinvest earnings from our foreign subsidiaries, and we have recorded deferred tax liabilities for foreign earnings that are available to be repatriated to the U.S. Cerro Verde previously recorded deferred Peruvian income tax liabilities for income taxes that would become payable if the reinvested profits used to fund the initial Cerro Verde sulfide expansion are distributed prior to the expiration of Cerro Verde's current stability agreement on December 31, 2013. Reinvested profits are not expected to be distributed prior to December 31, 2013. Accordingly, a net deferred tax liability totaling $234 million ($123 net of noncontrolling interest) was reversed and recognized as an income tax benefit in third-quarter 2012.

f. Our consolidated effective income tax rate is a function of the combined effective tax rates for the jurisdictions in which we operate. Accordingly, variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income can result in fluctuations to our consolidated effective income tax rate. Assuming average prices of $3.70 per pound for copper, $1,700 per ounce for gold and $11 per pound for molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012 and achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, we estimate our consolidated effective tax rate, excluding the impact of the deferred tax liability adjustment in note e, will approximate 33 percent for the fourth quarter and the year 2012.

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OPERATIONS

North America Copper Mines

We currently operate seven copper mines in North America – Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona, and Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico. All of these mining operations are wholly owned, except for Morenci, an unincorporated joint venture in which we own an 85 percent undivided interest.

The North America copper mines include open-pit mining, sulfide ore concentrating, leaching and solution extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) operations. Molybdenum concentrate is also produced by certain of our North America copper mines (Sierrita, Bagdad, Morenci and Chino). A majority of the copper produced at our North America copper mines is cast into copper rod by our Rod & Refining operations. The remainder of our North America copper sales is in the form of copper cathode or copper concentrate.

Operating and Development Activities. We have completed projects to increase production at our North America copper mines, including restarting certain mining and milling operations and increasing mining rates at Morenci and Chino. Ramp up activities at Chino are continuing, with annual production of approximately 250 million pounds of copper targeted in 2014. We continue to evaluate a number of opportunities to invest in additional production capacity at several of our North America copper mines. Exploration results in recent years indicate the potential for significant additional sulfide development in North America.

Morenci Mill Expansion. We are engaged in a project to expand mining and milling capacity at Morenci to process additional sulfide ores identified through exploratory drilling. The approximate $1.4 billion project is targeting incremental annual production of approximately 225 million pounds of copper in 2014 through an increase in milling rates from the current level of 50,000 metric tons of ore per day to approximately 115,000 metric tons of ore per day, and mining rates from the current level of 700,000 short tons per day to 900,000 short tons per day. We have received material permits and have commenced engineering and initial construction, and procurement activities are in progress. Project costs of $211 million have been incurred as of September 30, 2012 ($184 million during the first nine months of2012). Considering the large size of this project, actual costs could differ materially from these estimates.

Other Matters. As described further in “Critical Accounting Estimates” contained in Part II, Items 7. and 7A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, we record, as inventory, applicable costs for copper contained in mill and leach stockpiles that are expected to be processed in the future based on proven processing techniques. Processes and recovery rates are monitored regularly, and recovery rate estimates are adjusted periodically as additional information becomes available and as related technology changes. During third-quarter2012, we completed an assessment of recovery rates at our Chino leaching operations resulting in a downward revision of those rates and a corresponding reduction of 594 million pounds of estimated recoverable copper in leach stockpiles at Chino.

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Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the North America copper mines for the third quarters and first nine months of 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Operating Data, Net of Joint Venture Interest
Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	337		322		1,005		917
Sales, excluding purchases	331		307		1,030		914
Average realized price per pound	$	3.58	$	4.05	$	3.66	$	4.19
Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)
Productiona	8		10		27		27
100% Operating Data
SX/EW operations
Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)	922,100		872,200		967,700		841,700
Average copper ore grade (percent)	0.22		0.25		0.22		0.25
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)	211		199		639		582
Mill operations
Ore milled (metric tons per day)	242,700		225,800		235,700		220,100
Average ore grade (percent):
Copper	0.37		0.38		0.37		0.37
Molybdenum	0.03		0.03		0.03		0.03
Copper recovery rate (percent)	85.4		84.5		83.5		83.5
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)	150		146		436		404

a. Reflects molybdenum production from certain of the North America copper mines. Sales of molybdenum are reflected in the Molybdenum division.

Copper sales volumes from our North America copper mines increased to 331 million pounds in third-quarter2012 and 1.0 billion pounds for the first nine months of2012, compared with 307 million pounds in third-quarter2011 and 914 million pounds for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflecting increased production at the Chino mine. The first nine months of2012 also reflect increases in production at the Safford and Miami mines and timing of shipments at Morenci.

For the year 2012, copper sales volumes from our North America copper mines are expected to approximate 1.3 billion pounds, compared with 1.2 billion pounds in 2011. Molybdenum production from our North America copper mines is expected to approximate 35 million pounds for the year 2012, compared with 35 million pounds in 2011.

Unit Net Cash Costs. Unit net cash costs per pound of copper is a measure intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for our respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the U.S. and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

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Gross Profit per Pound of Copper and Molybdenum

The following tables summarize unit net cash costs and gross profit per pound at our North America copper mines for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011. Refer to “Product Revenues and Production Costs” for an explanation of the “by-product” and “co-product” methods and a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2012							September 30, 2011
	By- Product Method			Co-Product Method				By- Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper		Molyb- denuma					Copper			Molyb- denuma
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.58		$	3.58	$	12.58	$	4.05		$	4.05		$	15.22
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.97			1.77		8.60		1.86			1.65			6.68
By-product creditsa	(0.32		)	—		—		(0.55		)	—			—
Treatment charges	0.12			0.12		—		0.11			0.11			—
Unit net cash costs	1.77			1.89		8.60		1.42			1.76			6.68
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.25			0.23		0.63		0.21			0.19			0.34
Noncash and other costs, net	0.12			0.11		0.15		0.10			0.10			0.06
Total unit costs	2.14			2.23		9.38		1.73			2.05			7.08
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.01			0.01		—		(0.04		)	(0.04		)	—
Gross profit per pound	$	1.45		$	1.36	$	3.20	$	2.28		$	1.96		$	8.14
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	330			330				307			307
Molybdenum sales (millions of recoverable pounds)b						8								10

	Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012							September 30, 2011
	By- Product Method			Co-Product Method				By- Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper		Molyb- denuma					Copper		Molyb- denuma
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.66		$	3.66	$	13.58	$	4.19		$	4.19	$	16.30
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.88			1.74		6.18		1.80			1.61		6.77
By-product creditsa	(0.37		)	—		—		(0.52		)	—		—
Treatment charges	0.12			0.11		—		0.10			0.10		—
Unit net cash costs	1.63			1.85		6.18		1.38			1.71		6.77
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.26			0.24		0.45		0.20			0.19		0.38
Noncash and other costs, net	0.10			0.09		0.07		0.13			0.12		0.07
Total unit costs	1.99			2.18		6.70		1.71			2.02		7.22
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.01			—		—		—			—		—
Gross profit per pound	$	1.68		$	1.48	$	6.88	$	2.48		$	2.17	$	9.08
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	1,027			1,027				912			912
Molybdenum sales (millions of recoverable pounds)b						27							27

a. Molybdenum credits and revenues reflect volumes produced at market-based pricing and also include tolling revenues at Sierrita. 

b. Reflects molybdenum produced by certain of our North America copper mines.

Our operating North America copper mines have varying cost structures because of differences in ore grades and characteristics, processing costs, by-products and other factors. Unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for our North America copper mines averaged $1.77 per pound of copper in third-quarter2012 and $1.63 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2012, compared with $1.42 per pound of copper in the third quarter and $1.38 in the first nine months of2011. Higher average unit net cash costs in the 2012 periods primarily reflected lower molybdenum credits and increased mining rates, partly offset by higher copper sales volumes.

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Because certain assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, North America's unit depreciation rate varies with the level of copper production and sales.

Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and an average price of $11 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012, we estimate that average unit site production and delivery costs for our North America copper mines would approximate $1.90 per pound of copper and average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) would approximate $1.67 per pound of copper for the year 2012, compared with $1.41 per pound of copper in 2011 (fourth-quarter 2012 site production and delivery costs are expected to average $1.96 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.77 per pound of copper). North America's average unit net cash costs for 2012 would change by approximately $0.01 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum during fourth-quarter2012.

South America Mining

We operate four copper mines in South America – Cerro Verde in Peru, and El Abra, Candelaria and Ojos del Salado in Chile. We own a 53.56 percent interest in Cerro Verde, a 51 percent interest in El Abra, and an 80 percent interest in both Candelaria and Ojos del Salado.

South America mining includes open-pit and underground mining, sulfide ore concentrating, leaching and SX/EW operations. Production from our South America mines is sold as copper concentrate or copper cathode under long-term contracts. Our South America mines ship a portion of their copper concentrate and cathode inventories to Atlantic Copper, an affiliated smelter. In addition to copper, the Cerro Verde mine produces molybdenum concentrates, and the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado mines produce gold and silver.

Operating and Development Activities. Considering the long-term nature and large size of our South America development projects, actual costs could differ materially from the below estimates.

Cerro Verde Expansion. At Cerro Verde, we are engaged in a large-scale concentrator expansion. The approximate $4.4 billion project would expand the concentrator facilities from 120,000 metric tons of ore per day to 360,000 metric tons of ore per day and provide incremental annual production of approximately 600 million pounds of copper and 15 million pounds of molybdenum beginning in 2016. An environmental impact assessment was filed in fourth-quarter 2011. Permitting is in an advanced stage and engineering and procurement of long-lead items is in progress. We expect to commence construction in 2013.

An agreement has been reached with the Regional Government of Arequipa, the National Government, Servicio de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de Arequipa S.A. (SEDAPAR) and other local institutions to allow Cerro Verde to finance the engineering and construction of a wastewater treatment plant for Arequipa, should Cerro Verde proceed with the expansion. Once Cerro Verde obtains a license for the treated water it would be used to supplement its existing water supplies to support the concentrator expansion.  

El Abra Sulfide. During 2011, we commenced production from El Abra’s sulfide ores. Production from the sulfide ore is expected to approximate 300 million pounds of copper per year, replacing the currently depleting oxide copper production. The aggregate capital investment for this project is expected to approximate $800 million through 2015, which included approximately $580 million for the initial phase of the project.

We are also engaged in pre-feasibility studies for a potential large-scale milling operation at El Abra to process additional sulfide material and to achieve higher recoveries. Exploration results at El Abra indicate the potential for a significant sulfide resource.

Candelaria Water. As part of our overall strategy to supply water to the Candelaria mine, we completed construction of a pipeline to bring water from a nearby water treatment facility. In addition, we are constructing a desalination plant and pipeline that will supply Candelaria’s longer term water needs. The plant is expected to be completed in early 2013 at a cost of approximately $310 million. Project costs of $278 million have been incurred as of September 30, 2012 ($152 million during the first nine months of2012).

Other Matters. In July 2012, Cerro Verde signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which is expected to become effective after the current mining stability agreement expires on December 31, 2013. See Note 10 and "Consolidated Results - Provision for Income Taxes" for further discussion.

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Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for our South America mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	311		325		908		969
Sales	308		322		895		965
Average realized price per pound	$	3.68	$	3.45	$	3.63	$	3.82
Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)
Production	20		25		57		73
Sales	21		23		56		72
Average realized price per ounce	$	1,736	$	1,664	$	1,678	$	1,556
Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)
Productiona	2		2		6		8
SX/EW operations
Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)	248,100		244,100		229,100		249,500
Average copper ore grade (percent)	0.55		0.54		0.55		0.48
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)	115		111		346		314
Mill operations
Ore milled (metric tons per day)	191,400		185,700		190,000		192,300
Average ore grade:
Copper (percent)	0.59		0.66		0.58		0.66
Gold (grams per metric ton)	0.09		0.12		0.09		0.12
Molybdenum (percent)	0.02		0.02		0.02		0.02
Copper recovery rate (percent)	90.7		89.1		89.5		90.0
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)	196		214		562		655

a. Reflects molybdenum production from Cerro Verde. Sales of molybdenum are reflected in the Molybdenum division.

Copper sales from our South America mining operations declined to 308 million pounds in third-quarter2012, compared with 322 million pounds in third-quarter2011, primarily reflecting lower ore grades at Candelaria and timing of shipments. Lower copper sales volumes of 895 million pounds for the first nine months of2012, compared with 965 million pounds for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflected lower ore grades at Candelaria and Cerro Verde, partly offset by increased production at El Abra.

For the year 2012, consolidated sales volumes from our South America mining operations are expected to approximate 1.2 billion pounds of copper and 95 thousand ounces of gold, compared with 2011 sales of 1.3 billion pounds of copper and 101 thousand ounces of gold. Molybdenum production from Cerro Verde is expected to approximate 8 million pounds for the year 2012, compared with 10 million pounds in 2011.

Unit Net Cash Costs. Unit net cash costs per pound of copper is a measure intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for our respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

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Gross Profit per Pound of Copper

The following tables summarize unit net cash costs and gross profit per pound at the South America mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011. Unit net cash costs per pound of copper are reflected under the by-product and co-product methods as the South America mining operations also had small amounts of molybdenum, gold and silver sales. Refer to “Product Revenues and Production Costs” for an explanation of the “by-product” and “co-product” methods and a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended					Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2012					September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method		By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.68		$	3.68	$	3.45		$	3.45
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.63			1.51		1.38			1.25
By-product credits	(0.25		)	—		(0.36		)	—
Treatment charges	0.17			0.17		0.13			0.13
Unit net cash costs	1.55			1.68		1.15			1.38
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.24			0.23		0.20			0.19
Noncash and other costs, net	0.07			0.04		0.09			0.07
Total unit costs	1.86			1.95		1.44			1.64
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.07			0.07		(0.45		)	(0.45		)
Gross profit per pound	$	1.89		$	1.80	$	1.56		$	1.36
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	308			308		322			322

	Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012					September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method		By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.63		$	3.63	$	3.82		$	3.82
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.58			1.46		1.31			1.20
By-product credits	(0.26		)	—		(0.36		)	—
Treatment charges	0.16			0.16		0.17			0.17
Unit net cash costs	1.48			1.62		1.12			1.37
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.24			0.22		0.19			0.18
Noncash and other costs, net	0.07			0.05		0.07			0.06
Total unit costs	1.79			1.89		1.38			1.61
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.12			0.12		0.01			(0.01		)
Gross profit per pound	$	1.96		$	1.86	$	2.45		$	2.20
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	895			895		965			965

Our South America mines have varying cost structures because of differences in ore grades and characteristics, processing costs, by-products and other factors. Unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) for our South America mining operations averaged $1.55 per pound of copper in third-quarter2012 and $1.48 per pound for the first nine months of2012, compared with $1.15 per pound in third-quarter2011 and $1.12 per pound for the first nine months of2011. Higher average unit net cash costs in the 2012 periods primarily reflected higher mining and input costs, including energy, and lower by-product credits. Unit net cash cost were also impacted by the timing of profit sharing in third-quarter2012 and lower sales volumes for the first nine months of2012.

Because certain assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, South America's unit depreciation rate varies with the level of copper production and sales.

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Revenue adjustments primarily result from changes in prices on provisionally priced copper sales recognized in prior periods. To the extent prices are higher or lower than what was recorded on a provisional basis, an increase or decrease to revenues is recorded each reporting period until the date of final pricing. Refer to “Consolidated Results - Revenues” for further discussion of adjustments to prior period provisionally priced copper sales.

Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates and average prices of $1,700 per ounce of gold and $11 per pound of molybdenum for fourth-quarter2012, we estimate that average unit site production and delivery costs for our South America mining operations would approximate $1.61 per pound of copper and average unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) would approximate $1.50 per pound of copper for the year 2012, compared with $1.20 per pound in 2011 (fourth-quarter 2012 site production and delivery costs are expected to average $1.70 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.53 per pound of copper).

Indonesia Mining

Indonesia mining includes PT Freeport Indonesia’s Grasberg minerals district. We own 90.64 percent of PT Freeport Indonesia, including 9.36 percent owned through our wholly owned subsidiary, PT Indocopper Investama. As previously reported, because of the potential benefits of having additional Indonesian ownership in PT Freeport Indonesia's operations, we have agreed to consider a potential sale of a 9.36 percent interest in PT Freeport Indonesia at fair market value (refer to Note 14 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further discussion). We are also considering a potential offering of PT Freeport Indonesia shares on the Indonesia stock exchange.

PT Freeport Indonesia produces copper concentrates, which contain significant quantities of gold and silver. Substantially all of PT Freeport Indonesia’s copper concentrates are sold under long-term contracts, of which approximately one-half is generally sold to affiliated smelters, Atlantic Copper and PT Smelting (PT Freeport Indonesia’s 25-percent owned copper smelter and refinery in Indonesia) and the remainder to other customers.

We have established certain unincorporated joint ventures with Rio Tinto plc (Rio Tinto), under which Rio Tinto has a 40 percent interest in certain assets and future production exceeding specified annual amounts of copper, gold and silver. Refer to Note 2 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for discussion of our joint ventures with Rio Tinto.

Operating and Development Activities. We have several projects in progress in the Grasberg minerals district, primarily related to the development of the large-scale, high-grade underground ore bodies located beneath and nearby the Grasberg open pit. In aggregate, these underground ore bodies are expected to ramp up over several years to approximately 240,000 metric tons of ore per day following the currently anticipated transition from the Grasberg open pit in 2016. Over the next five years, aggregate capital spending on these projects is currently expected to average $700 million per year ($550 million per year net to PT Freeport Indonesia). Considering the long-term nature and large size of these projects, actual costs could differ materially from these estimates.

The following provides additional information on these projects, including the continued development of the Common Infrastructure project, the Grasberg Block Cave and Big Gossan underground mines, and development of the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) ore body that lies below the Deep Ore Zone (DOZ) underground mine.

Common Infrastructure and Grasberg Block Cave. In 2004, PT Freeport Indonesia commenced its Common Infrastructure project to provide access to its large undeveloped underground ore bodies located in the Grasberg minerals district through a tunnel system located approximately 400 meters deeper than its existing underground tunnel system. In addition to providing access to our underground ore bodies, the tunnel system will enable PT Freeport Indonesia to conduct future exploration in prospective areas associated with currently identified ore bodies. The tunnel system was completed to the Big Gossan terminal, and the Big Gossan mine was brought into production in fourth-quarter 2010. Development of both the DMLZ and Grasberg Block Cave is advancing, and access to these underground ore bodies is complete.

The Grasberg Block Cave underground mine accounts for over one-third of our reserves in Indonesia. Production at the Grasberg Block Cave mine is currently scheduled to commence at the end of mining the Grasberg open pit, which is currently expected to continue until 2016. The timing of the transition to the underground Grasberg Block Cave mine will continue to be assessed. Targeted production rates once the Grasberg Block Cave mining operation reaches full capacity are expected to approximate 160,000 metric tons of ore per day.

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Aggregate mine development capital for the Grasberg Block Cave mine and associated Common Infrastructure is expected to approximate $4.2 billion (incurred between 2008 and 2021), with PT Freeport Indonesia’s share totaling approximately $3.8 billion. Aggregate project costs totaling $788 million have been incurred through September 30, 2012 ($219 million during the first nine months of2012).

Big Gossan. The Big Gossan underground mine is a high-grade deposit located near PT Freeport Indonesia’s existing milling complex. Production, which began in fourth-quarter 2010, averaged 1,900 metric tons of ore per day in third-quarter2012. Full rates of 7,000 metric tons of ore per day are expected in 2014 (equal to average annual aggregate incremental production of 125 million pounds of copper and 65,000 ounces of gold).

DMLZ. The DMLZ ore body lies below the DOZ mine at the 2,590-meter elevation and represents the downward continuation of mineralization in the Ertsberg East Skarn system and neighboring Ertsberg porphyry. We plan to mine the ore body using a block-cave method with production beginning in 2015, near completion of mining at the DOZ mine. Drilling efforts continue to determine the extent of this ore body. Aggregate mine development capital costs for the DMLZ mine are expected to approximate $2.2 billion (incurred from 2009 to 2020), with PT Freeport Indonesia’s share totaling approximately $1.3 billion. Aggregate project costs totaling $451 million have been incurred through September 30, 2012 ($182 million during the first nine months of2012). Targeted production rates once the DMLZ mining operation reaches full capacity are expected to approximate 80,000 metric tons of ore per day.

Other Matters. PT Freeport Indonesia is engaged in discussions with the Indonesian government on its operations, future plans and Contract of Work (COW).  We are working cooperatively with the government in its review of PT Freeport Indonesia's COW and to seek an extension of our COW to 2041, pursuant to the terms of the contract. Refer to Note 14 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further discussion of PT Freeport Indonesia's COW.

Between July 2009 and October 2012, there were 37 shooting incidents in and around the Grasberg minerals district, including along the road leading to our mining and milling operations, which resulted in 15 fatalities and 57 injuries. The investigation of these matters is continuing. We have taken precautionary measures, including limiting use of the road to secured convoys. The Indonesian government has responded with additional security forces and expressed a commitment to protect the safety of the community and our operations. Prolonged limitations on access to the road could adversely affect operations at the mine. The safety of our workforce is a critical concern, and PT Freeport Indonesia is working cooperatively with the Government of Indonesia to address security issues. Refer to "Risk Factors" contained in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further discussion.

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Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for our Indonesia mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Operating Data, Net of Joint Venture Interest
Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	199		233		495		778
Sales	195		253		512		796
Average realized price per pound	$	3.72	$	3.29	$	3.64	$	3.82
Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)
Production	182		357		641		1,123
Sales	178		384		691		1,168
Average realized price per ounce	$	1,728	$	1,695	$	1,665	$	1,565
100% Operating Data
Ore milled (metric tons per day):a
Grasberg open pit	136,500		107,000		116,700		137,200
DOZ underground mine	48,300		43,900		42,300		58,900
Big Gossan underground mine	1,900		1,300		1,400		1,800
Total	186,700		152,200		160,400		197,900
Average ore grades:
Copper (percent)	0.63		0.90		0.61		0.80
Gold (grams per metric ton)	0.46		1.14		0.60		0.92
Recovery rates (percent):
Copper	87.7		89.8		88.6		88.2
Gold	71.4		82.4		76.7		81.3
Production (recoverable):
Copper (millions of pounds)	199		237		495		803
Gold (thousands of ounces)	182		408		641		1,261

a. Amounts represent the approximate average daily throughput processed at PT Freeport Indonesia’s mill facilities from each producing mine.

Sales volumes from our Indonesia mining operations declined to 195 million pounds of copper and 178 thousand ounces of gold in third-quarter2012 and 512 million pounds of copper and 691 thousand ounces of gold for the first nine months of2012, compared with 253 million pounds of copper and 384 thousand ounces of gold in third-quarter2011 and 796 million pounds of copper and 1.2 million ounces of gold for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflecting anticipated lower ore grades. The first nine months of2012 were also impacted by lower production rates associated with the first-quarter 2012 work interruptions and the related temporary suspension of operations.

At the Grasberg mine, the sequencing in mining areas with varying ore grades causes fluctuations in the timing of ore production resulting in varying quarterly sales of copper and gold. Consolidated sales volumes from our Indonesia mining operations are expected to approximate 0.7 billion pounds of copper and 0.9 million ounces of gold for 2012, compared with 846 million pounds of copper and 1.3 million ounces of gold in 2011. Indonesia's current sales volume estimates for 2012 are approximately 40 million pounds of copper and 45,000 ounces of gold lower than the estimates provided in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012, because of mine plan changes in the Grasberg open pit, which delayed access to higher grade material, and a slower ramp-up of the DOZ mine. The slower than anticipated ramp-up reflects more extensive repairs required following the 2011 suspension of operations. The DOZ mine is expected to ramp up to 80,000 metric tons of ore per day in 2013. FCX expects sales from Indonesia to increase in the second half of 2013 as PT Freeport Indonesia gains access to higher ore grades.

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Unit Net Cash Costs. Unit net cash costs per pound of copper is a measure intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for our respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Gross Profit per Pound of Copper and per Ounce of Gold

The following tables summarize the unit net cash costs and gross profit per pound of copper and per ounce of gold at our Indonesia mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011. Refer to “Production Revenues and Production Costs” for an explanation of “by-product” and “co-product” methods and a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2012							September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method				By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper		Gold					Copper			Gold
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.72		$	3.72	$	1,728	$	3.29		$	3.29		$	1,695
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	2.96			2.05		951		1.98			1.09			561
Gold and silver credits	(1.66		)	—		—		(2.80		)	—			—
Treatment charges	0.22			0.15		72		0.18			0.10			53
Royalty on metals	0.13			0.09		42		0.16			0.09			46
Unit net cash costs (credits)	1.65			2.29		1,065		(0.48		)	1.28			660
Depreciation and amortization	0.27			0.19		88		0.25			0.13			69
Noncash and other costs, net	0.05			0.04		15		0.01			0.01			4
Total unit costs (credits)	1.97			2.52		1,168		(0.22		)	1.42			733
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.04			0.04		11		(0.35		)	(0.35		)	74
Gross profit per pound/ounce	$	1.79		$	1.24	$	571	$	3.16		$	1.52		$	1,036
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	195			195				253			253
Gold sales (thousands of recoverable ounces)						178								384

	Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012							September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method				By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper		Gold					Copper			Gold
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3.64		$	3.64	$	1,665	$	3.82		$	3.82		$	1,565
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	3.20			1.95		892		1.91			1.17			480
Gold and silver credits	(2.34		)	—		—		(2.39		)	—			—
Treatment charges	0.21			0.13		58		0.18			0.11			46
Royalty on metals	0.13			0.08		37		0.16			0.10			41
Unit net cash costs (credits)	1.20			2.16		987		(0.14		)	1.38			567
Depreciation and amortization	0.30			0.18		83		0.23			0.14			56
Noncash and other costs, net	0.08			0.05		22		0.04			0.02			8
Total unit costs	1.58			2.39		1,092		0.13			1.54			631
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.03			0.03		4		(0.01		)	(0.01		)	(15		)
Gross profit per pound/ounce	$	2.09		$	1.28	$	577	$	3.68		$	2.27		$	919
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	512			512				796			796
Gold sales (thousands of recoverable ounces)						691								1,168

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Because of the fixed nature of a large portion of PT Freeport Indonesia’s costs, unit costs vary from period to period depending on volumes of copper and gold sold, as well as average realized gold prices during the period. Unit net cash costs (net of gold and silver credits) for our Indonesia mining operations totaled $1.65 per pound of copper in third-quarter2012 and $1.20 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2012, compared with net credits of $0.48 per pound of copper in third-quarter2011 and $0.14 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2011. Higher unit net cash costs in the 2012 periods primarily reflected lower sales volumes.

Treatment charges vary with the volume of metals sold and the price of copper, and royalties vary with the volume of metals sold and the prices of copper and gold.

Because certain assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, PT Freeport Indonesia’s unit depreciation rate

varies with the level of copper production and sales.

Revenue adjustments primarily result from changes in prices on provisionally priced copper sales recognized in prior periods. To the extent prices are higher or lower than what was recorded on a provisional basis, an increase or decrease to revenues is recorded each reporting period until the date of final pricing. Refer to “Consolidated Results - Revenues” for further discussion of adjustments to prior period provisionally priced copper sales.

Quarterly unit net cash costs are expected to vary significantly with variations in quarterly metal sales volumes, as well as average realized gold prices during the period. Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, and an average gold price of $1,700 per ounce for fourth-quarter2012, we estimate that average unit site production and delivery costs for Indonesia would approximate $3.24 per pound of copper and average unit net cash costs (net of gold and silver credits) would approximate $1.34 per pound of copper for the year 2012, compared with $0.09 per pound in 2011 (fourth-quarter 2012 site production and delivery costs are expected to average $3.35 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.70 per pound of copper). Indonesia's unit net cash costs for 2012 would change by $0.02 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold during fourth-quarter2012. Assuming consistent commodity price assumptions, Indonesia's unit net cash costs for future periods are expected to be lower than 2012, as PT Freeport Indonesia accesses higher grade ore beginning in the second half of 2013.

Africa Mining

Africa mining includes the Tenke copper and cobalt mining concessions in the Katanga province of the DRC. The Tenke mine includes surface mining, leaching and SX/EW operations. Copper production from the Tenke mine is sold as copper cathode. In addition to copper, the Tenke mine produces cobalt hydroxide.

We hold an effective 56 percent interest in the Tenke copper and cobalt mining concessions and are the operator of Tenke. Effective March 26, 2012, the DRC government issued a Presidential Decree approving modifications to TFM's bylaws. As a result, our and Lundin Mining Corporation's ownership interest in Tenke totals 80 percent (previously 82.5 percent) and Gecamines' ownership interest totals 20 percent (previously 17.5 percent).

Operating and Development Activities. Our investment in the initial project approximated $2 billion, and we have received intercompany loan repayments, including interest, of approximately $840 million through September 30, 2012.

We are nearing completion of a second phase of the project, which includes optimizing the current plant and increasing capacity. We are expanding the mill rate to 14,000 metric tons of ore per day and are completing construction of the related processing facilities that target the addition of approximately 150 million pounds of copper per year in 2013. The approximate $850 million project includes mill upgrades, additional mining equipment, a new tankhouse and a sulphuric acid plant expansion. Construction activities are progressing well and are expected to be substantially complete by year-end 2012. The addition of a second sulphuric acid plant is expected to be completed in 2015. The second phase of the project is being funded primarily with cash generated from operations, and for additional required funds, we are funding 70 percent and Lundin Mining Corporation is funding 30 percent. Project costs of $535 million have been incurred as of September 30, 2012 ($367 million during the first nine months of2012).

During third-quarter2012, Tenke achieved record mining, milling and copper production rates. Improved performance and the second phase expansion are expected to enable copper production to exceed 400 million pounds for the year 2013, compared with initial design capacity of 250 million pounds per year.

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We continue to engage in drilling activities, exploration analyses and metallurgical testing to evaluate the potential of the highly prospective minerals district at Tenke. These analyses are being incorporated in future plans to evaluate opportunities for expansion. Future expansions are subject to a number of factors, including economic and market conditions, and the business and investment climate in the DRC.

Other Matters. Salary scale for TFM's union-represented employees is negotiated outside of the Collective Labor Agreement. In September 2012, TFM successfully renegotiated a 4-year salary scale with union-represented employees.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for our Africa mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	91		71		250		204
Sales	88		65		239		200
Average realized price per pounda	$	3.55	$	3.46	$	3.54	$	3.89
Cobalt (millions of contained pounds)
Production	8		6		20		18
Sales	8		6		19		19
Average realized price per pound	$	8.24	$	10.05	$	8.36	$	10.71
Ore milled (metric tons per day)	13,600		12,000		12,900		10,800
Average ore grades (percent):
Copper	3.60		3.21		3.56		3.42
Cobalt	0.38		0.41		0.37		0.40
Copper recovery rate (percent)	92.9		91.4		91.6		92.0

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts.

Copper sales volumes from our Africa mining operations increased to 88 million pounds of copper in third-quarter2012 and 239 million pounds of copper for the first nine months of2012, compared with 65 million pounds in third-quarter2011 and 200 million pounds of copper for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflecting higher mining and milling rates principally related to the ramp-up of the second phase expansion.

For the year 2012, we expect sales volumes from our Africa mining operations to approximate 330 million pounds of copper and 25 million pounds of cobalt, compared with 283 million pounds of copper and 25 million pounds of cobalt in 2011.

Unit Net Cash Costs. Unit net cash costs per pound of copper is a measure intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for our respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

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Gross Profit per Pound of Copper and Cobalt

The following tables summarize the unit net cash costs and gross profit per pound of copper and cobalt at our Africa mining operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011. Refer to “Production Revenues and Production Costs” for an explanation of “by-product” and “co-product” methods and a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended								Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2012								September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method					By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper			Cobalt					Copper			Cobalt
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	3.55		$	3.55		$	8.24	$	3.46		$	3.46		$	10.05
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.63			1.45			4.96		1.55			1.40			5.71
Cobalt creditsb	(0.48		)	—			—		(0.51		)	—			—
Royalty on metals	0.08			0.07			0.14		0.08			0.06			0.15
Unit net cash costs	1.23			1.52			5.10		1.12			1.46			5.86
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.49			0.43			0.64		0.48			0.41			0.88
Noncash and other costs, net	0.07			0.06			0.08		0.29			0.25			0.53
Total unit costs	1.79			2.01			5.82		1.89			2.12			7.27
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(0.02		)	(0.02		)	0.05		(0.01		)	(0.01		)	(0.10		)
Gross profit per pound	$	1.74		$	1.52		$	2.47	$	1.56		$	1.33		$	2.68
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	88			88					65			65
Cobalt sales (millions of contained pounds)							8								6

	Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2012							September 30, 2011
	By-Product Method			Co-Product Method				By-Product Method			Co-Product Method
				Copper		Cobalt					Copper			Cobalt
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	3.54		$	3.54	$	8.36	$	3.89		$	3.89		$	10.71
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1.54			1.43		5.05		1.57			1.37			5.62
Cobalt creditsb	(0.39		)	—		—		(0.68		)	—			—
Royalty on metals	0.08			0.06		0.13		0.09			0.07			0.18
Unit net cash costs	1.23			1.49		5.18		0.98			1.44			5.80
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	0.48			0.42		0.68		0.49			0.41			0.82
Noncash and other costs, net	0.09			0.08		0.12		0.20			0.18			0.36
Total unit costs	1.80			1.99		5.98		1.67			2.03			6.98
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	0.03			0.03		0.12		(0.01		)	(0.01		)	0.12
Gross profit per pound	$	1.77		$	1.58	$	2.50	$	2.21		$	1.85		$	3.85
Copper sales (millions of recoverable pounds)	239			239				200			200
Cobalt sales (millions of contained pounds)						19								19

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. 

b. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

Africa's unit net cash costs (net of cobalt credits) of $1.23 per pound of copper in third-quarter2012 and for the first nine months of2012, were higher than unit net cash costs of $1.12 per pound of copper in third-quarter2011 and $0.98 per pound of copper for the first nine months of2011. Higher unit net cash costs in third-quarter 2012 primarily reflected higher mining and input costs, including sulphuric acid and energy. Higher unit net cash costs in the first nine months of 2012 primarily reflected lower cobalt credits.

Assuming achievement of current sales volume and cost estimates, and an average market cobalt price of $12 per pound for fourth-quarter2012, we estimate that average unit site production and delivery costs for Africa would

43

approximate $1.53 per pound of copper and average unit net cash costs (net of cobalt credits) would approximate $1.25 per pound of copper for the year 2012, compared with $1.07 per pound in 2011 (fourth-quarter 2012 site production and delivery costs are expected to average $1.50 per pound of copper and unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average $1.28 per pound of copper). Africa's unit net cash costs for 2012 would change by $0.025 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of cobalt during fourth-quarter2012.

Molybdenum

We are an integrated producer of molybdenum, with mining, sulfide ore concentrating, roasting and processing facilities that produce high-purity, molybdenum-based chemicals, molybdenum metal powder and metallurgical products, which are sold to customers around the world. Our molybdenum operations include the wholly owned Henderson underground mine and Climax open-pit mine in Colorado and related conversion facilities. The Henderson underground mine produces high-purity, chemical-grade molybdenum concentrates, which are typically further processed into value-added molybdenum chemical products. The Climax mine also produces high quality molybdenum concentrates. The Molybdenum operations include a sales company that purchases and sells molybdenum from our primary molybdenum mines and from certain of our North and South America copper mines that also produce molybdenum; and related conversion facilities that, at times, roast and/or process material on a toll basis for third-parties.

Operating and Development Activities. The newly commissioned Climax molybdenum mine, which includes a new 25,000 metric ton per day mill facility, began commercial production in May 2012. Depending on market conditions, production from Climax may ramp up to a rate of 20 million pounds of molybdenum per year during 2013, with the potential to produce 30 million pounds of molybdenum per year. We intend to operate our Climax and Henderson mines in a flexible manner to meet market requirements. The cost of the initial phase of the project approximated $760 million.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the Molybdenum operations for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)
Production	10		a	11		28		a	30
Sales, excluding purchasesb	21			19		62			60
Average realized price per pound	$	13.62		$	16.34	$	14.79		$	17.57
Henderson molybdenum mine
Ore milled (metric tons per day)	21,400			24,500		21,100			23,300
Average molybdenum ore grade (percent)	0.23			0.24		0.23			0.24
Molybdenum production (millions of recoverable pounds)	9			11		26			30

a. The 2012 periods include production from the Climax molybdenum mine totaling 1 million pounds in third-quarter2012 and 2 million pounds for the first nine months of2012 reflecting production since the start of commercial operations in May 2012 (the 2011 periods only reflect production from the Henderson molybdenum mine).

b. Includes sales of molybdenum produced at our North and South America copper mines.

Consolidated molybdenum sales volumes totaled 21 million pounds in third-quarter2012 and 62 million pounds for the first nine months of2012, compared with 19 million pounds in third-quarter2011 and 60 million pounds for the first nine months of2011. For the year 2012, we expect molybdenum sales volumes to approximate 82 million pounds (of which approximately 43 million pounds represents molybdenum production from our North and South America copper mines), compared with 79 million pounds in 2011 (of which 45 million pounds represented molybdenum production from our North and South America copper mines).

Unit Net Cash Costs. Unit net cash costs per pound of molybdenum is a measure intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for our respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of

44

performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Gross Profit per Pound of Molybdenum

The following table summarizes the unit net cash costs and gross profit per pound of molybdenum at our Henderson molybdenum mine for the third quarters and first nine months of2012 and 2011. Refer to “Product Revenues and Production Costs” for a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in our consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	13.69	$	15.38	$	14.61	$	16.66
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	6.23		5.21		6.06		5.26
Treatment charges and other	0.88		1.03		0.88		0.93
Unit net cash costs	7.11		6.24		6.94		6.19
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	1.00		0.94		0.95		0.90
Noncash and other costs, net	0.52		0.03		0.21		0.04
Total unit costs	8.63		7.21		8.10		7.13
Gross profita	$	5.06	$	8.17	$	6.51	$	9.53
Molybdenum sales (millions of recoverable pounds)b	9		11		26		30

a. Gross profit reflects sales of Henderson production to our Molybdenum sales company based on volumes produced at market-based pricing. On a consolidated basis, the Molybdenum division includes profits on sales as they are made to third parties and realizations based on actual contract terms. As a result, the actual gross profit realized will differ from the amounts reported in this table.

b. Reflects production at the Henderson molybdenum mine.

Henderson’s higher unit net cash costs of $7.11 per pound of molybdenum in third-quarter2012 and $6.94 per pound of molybdenum for the first nine months of2012, compared with $6.24 per pound of molybdenum in third-quarter2011 and $6.19 per pound of molybdenum for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflected lower production volumes.

Assuming achievement of current 2012 sales volume and cost estimates, we estimate unit net cash costs for Henderson to approximate $7.00 per pound of molybdenum for the year 2012, compared with $6.34 per pound in 2011.

Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining

Atlantic Copper, our wholly owned subsidiary located in Spain, smelts and refines copper concentrates and markets refined copper and precious metals in slimes. During the first nine months of2012, Atlantic Copper purchased approximately 31 percent of its concentrate requirements from our South America mining operations, approximately 15 percent from our North America copper mines and approximately 8 percent from our Indonesia mining operations. Through this form of downstream integration, we are assured placement of a significant portion of our concentrate production.

Smelting and refining charges consist of a base rate and, in certain contracts, price participation based on copper prices. Treatment charges for smelting and refining copper concentrates represent a cost to our mining operations, and income to Atlantic Copper and PT Smelting, PT Freeport Indonesia's 25 percent owned smelter and refinery. Thus, higher treatment and refining charges benefit our smelter operations and adversely affect our mining operations. Our North America copper mines are less significantly affected by changes in treatment and refining charges because these operations are largely integrated with our wholly owned smelter located in Miami, Arizona.

Atlantic Copper had an operating loss of $1 million in third-quarter2012 and operating income of $12 million for the first nine months of2012, compared with operating losses of $5 million in third-quarter2011 and $70 million for the first nine months of2011. Atlantic Copper’s improved operating results in the 2012 periods, compared with the 2011 periods, primarily reflected higher gold credits. Atlantic Copper's operating results for the first nine months of2011

45

also reflected higher operating costs primarily associated with the April 2011 scheduled shutdown.

We defer recognizing profits on sales from our mining operations to Atlantic Copper and on 25 percent of Indonesia mining sales to PT Smelting until final sales to third parties occur. Our net deferred profits on our inventories at Atlantic Copper and PT Smelting to be recognized in future periods’ net income after taxes and noncontrolling interests totaled $105 million at September 30, 2012. Changes in these deferrals attributable to variability in intercompany volumes resulted in net reductions to net income attributable to common stockholders totaling $34 million ($0.04 per share) in third-quarter2012 and $69 million ($0.07 per share) for the first nine months of2012, compared with net additions of $99 million ($0.10 per share) in third-quarter2011 and $116 million ($0.12 per share) for the first nine months of2011. Quarterly variations in ore grades, the timing of intercompany shipments and changes in product prices will result in variability in our net deferred profits and quarterly earnings.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Our operating cash flows vary with prices realized from copper, gold and molybdenum sales, our sales volumes, production costs, income taxes, other working capital changes and other factors. Strong operating performance and favorable copper and gold prices have enabled us to enhance our financial and liquidity position, reduce debt and pay cash dividends to shareholders, while pursuing growth opportunities. We view the long-term outlook for our business positively, supported by limitations on supplies of copper and by the requirements for copper in the world’s economy, and will continue to adjust our operating strategy as market conditions change.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

At September 30, 2012, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 billion. The following table reflects the U.S. and international components of consolidated cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011 (in billions):

	September 30, 2012			December 31, 2011
Cash at domestic companiesa	$	1.2		$	2.4
Cash at international operations	2.5			2.4
Total consolidated cash and cash equivalents	3.7			4.8
Less: Noncontrolling interests’ share	(0.8		)	(0.8		)
Cash, net of noncontrolling interests’ share	2.9			4.0
Less: Withholding taxes and other	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
Net cash available to FCX	$	2.7		$	3.9

a. Includes cash at our parent company and other North America operations.

Cash held at our international operations is generally used to support our foreign operations' capital expenditures, operating expenses, working capital or other cash needs. At September 30, 2012, management believed that sufficient liquidity was available in the U.S. With the exception of Tenke, we have not elected to permanently reinvest earnings from our foreign subsidiaries, and we have recorded deferred tax liabilities for foreign earnings that are available to be repatriated to the U.S. From time to time, our foreign subsidiaries distribute earnings to the U.S. through dividends, which are subject to applicable withholding taxes and noncontrolling interests' share.

Operating Activities

We generated operating cash flows totaling $2.5 billion for the first nine months of2012, net of $1.5 billion for working capital uses and other tax payments, compared with operating cash flows totaling $5.9 billion for the first nine months of2011, net of $126 million for working capital uses and other tax payments. Lower operating cash flows for the first nine months of2012, compared with the first nine months of2011, primarily reflected lower copper and gold sales volumes, lower copper price realizations and an increase in working capital uses and other tax payments, primarily associated with changes in accounts receivable. As discussed in "Consolidated Results - Revenues," substantially all of our copper concentrate and cathode sales contracts are provisionally priced; accordingly, the quarter-end forward price is a major determinate of recorded revenues and the resulting receivables. At September 30, 2012, our provisionally priced copper sales we recorded at an average of $3.72 per pound of copper, compared with $3.18 per pound at September 30, 2011.

Based on current mine plans and subject to future copper, gold and molybdenum prices, we expect estimated operating cash flows for the year 2012 plus available cash to be sufficient to fund our budgeted capital expenditures, dividends, noncontrolling interest distributions and other cash requirements for the year. Refer to

46

“Outlook” for further discussion of projected operating cash flows for the year 2012.

Investing Activities

Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $2.5 billion for the first nine months of2012, compared with $1.7 billion for the first nine months of2011, primarily reflecting higher capital spending associated with the expansion projects at Tenke, Cerro Verde and Morenci. Refer to “Operations” for further discussion.

Capital expenditures for the year 2012 are expected to approximate $3.6 billion, including $2.2 billion for major projects and $1.4 billion for sustaining capital. Major projects for 2012 primarily include underground development activities at Grasberg and the expansion projects at Tenke, Cerro Verde and Morenci. We are also considering additional investments at several of our sites. Capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted in response to changes in market conditions and other factors.

Financing Activities

Debt and Equity Transactions. At September 30, 2012, debt totaled $3.5 billion, and we have no significant debt maturities through 2014. At September 30, 2012, we had no borrowings and $44 million of letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility, resulting in availability of approximately $1.5 billion ($956 million of which could be used for additional letters of credit).

In February 2012, we sold $3.0 billion of senior notes in three tranches with a weighted-average interest rate of approximately three percent. Net proceeds from this offering, plus cash on hand, were used to redeem the remaining $3.0 billion of our 8.375% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 5 for further discussion.

In April 2011, we redeemed the remaining $1.1 billion of our outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes. In addition, during second-quarter 2011, we made open-market purchases of $35 million of our 9.5% Senior Notes and repaid the remaining $85 million of our 8.75% Senior Notes, which matured in June 2011 (refer to Note 5 for further discussion).

Annual interest cost savings associated with debt repayments since January 1, 2009, including the first-quarter 2012 refinancing transaction, approximate $415 million per year, based on current interest rates.

We have an open-market share purchase program for up to 30 million shares, of which 23.7 million shares remain available. There have been no purchases since 2008. The timing of future purchases of our common stock is dependent on many factors, including our operating results, cash flows and financial position; copper, gold and molybdenum prices; the price of our common shares; future development and expansion opportunities; and general economic and market conditions.

Dividends. We paid common stock dividends totaling $832 million for the first nine months of2012 and $1.2 billion for the first nine months of2011 (which included $474 million for a supplemental common stock dividend paid in June 2011).

The current annual dividend rate for our common stock is $1.25 per share ($0.3125 per share quarterly). Refer to Note 5 for further discussion. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon our financial results, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. The Board will continue to review our financial policy on an ongoing basis.

Cash dividends paid to noncontrolling interests primarily include the noncontrolling interest owners of PT Freeport Indonesia and our South America mines, and totaled $76 million for the first nine months of2012 and $350 million for the first nine months of2011.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since year-end 2011. Refer to Item 7 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further information regarding our contractual obligations.

47

CONTINGENCIES

Environmental and Reclamation Matters

Our mining, exploration, production and historical operating activities are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. We review changes in facts and circumstances associated with our environmental and reclamation obligations at least quarterly. There have been no material changes to our environmental and reclamation obligations since year-end 2011. However, updated cost assumptions, including increases and decreases to cost estimates, changes in the anticipated scope and timing of remediation activities and settlement of environmental matters may result in revisions to certain of our environmental obligations. As a result, we recorded adjustments to environmental obligations totaling net credits of $82 million in third-quarter2012 and $36 million during the first nine months of2012, compared with net charges of $31 million in third-quarter2011 and $35 million during the first nine months of2011.

Refer to Note 13 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further information regarding our environmental and reclamation obligations.

Litigation and Other Contingencies

Other than as disclosed in Note 8 and Part II, Item 1. "Legal Proceedings" of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended June 30, 2012, and March 31, 2012, there have been no material changes to our contingencies associated with legal proceedings and other matters since year-end 2011. Refer to Note 13 in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, for further information regarding legal proceedings and other matters.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

We do not expect the impact of recently issued accounting standards to have a significant impact on our future financial statements and disclosures.

PRODUCT REVENUES AND PRODUCTION COSTS

Unit net cash costs per pound of copper and molybdenum are measures intended to provide investors with information about the cash-generating capacity of our mining operations expressed on a basis relating to the primary metal product for the respective operations. We use this measure for the same purpose and for monitoring operating performance by our mining operations. This information differs from measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This measure is presented by other metals mining companies, although our measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

We present gross profit per pound of copper in the following tables using both a “by-product” method and a “co-product” method. We use the by-product method in our presentation of gross profit per pound of copper because (i) the majority of our revenues are copper revenues, (ii) we mine ore, which contains copper, gold, molybdenum and other metals, (iii) it is not possible to specifically assign all of our costs to revenues from the copper, gold, molybdenum and other metals we produce, (iv) it is the method used to compare mining operations in certain industry publications and (v) it is the method used by our management and the Board to monitor operations. In the co-product method presentation below, shared costs are allocated to the different products based on their relative revenue values, which will vary to the extent our metals sales volumes and realized prices change.

We show adjustments for prior period open sales as separate line items. Because these adjustments do not result from current period sales, we have reflected these separately from revenues on current period sales. Noncash and other costs consist of items such as stock-based compensation costs, start-up costs, write-offs of equipment and/or unusual charges. They are removed from site production and delivery costs in the calculation of unit net cash costs. As discussed above, gold, molybdenum and other metal revenues at copper mines are reflected as credits against site production and delivery costs in the by-product method. Following are presentations under both the by-product and co-product methods together with reconciliations to amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements.

48

North America Copper Mines Product Revenues and Production Costs

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Molybdenuma		Otherb		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	1,183		$	1,183		$	103	$	21	$	1,307
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	649			584			71		13		668
By-product creditsa	(105		)	—			—		—		—
Treatment charges	40			39			—		1		40
Net cash costs	584			623			71		14		708
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	84			78			5		1		84
Noncash and other costs, net	40			38			1		1		40
Total costs	708			739			77		16		832
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	5			5			—		—		5
Gross profit	$	480		$	449		$	26	$	5	$	480
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,307		$	668		$	84
Treatment charges	N/A			40			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			40			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	5			N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	4			12			4
North America copper mines	1,316			760			88
South America mining	1,192			530			74
Indonesia mining	991			587			54
Africa mining	367			172			42
Molybdenum	308			273			18
Rod & Refining	1,228			1,222			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	638			624			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,623		)	(1,576		)	9
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	4,417		$	2,592		$	298

a. Molybdenum credits and revenues reflect volumes produced at market-based pricing and also include tolling revenues at Sierrita. 

b. Includes gold and silver product revenues and production costs.

49

North America Copper Mines Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Molybdenuma		Otherb		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	1,240		$	1,240		$	146	$	40	$	1,426
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	569			506			64		15		585
By-product creditsa	(170		)	—			—		—		—
Treatment charges	36			34			—		2		36
Net cash costs	435			540			64		17		621
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	64			59			4		1		64
Noncash and other costs, net	31			31			—		—		31
Total costs	530			630			68		18		716
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(11		)	(11		)	—		—		(11		)
Gross profit	$	699		$	599		$	78	$	22	$	699
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,426		$	585		$	64
Treatment charges	N/A			36			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			31			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(11		)	N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	4			12			3
North America copper mines	1,419			664			67
South America mining	1,053			478			64
Indonesia mining	1,362			503			62
Africa mining	276			142			32
Molybdenum	332			260			14
Rod & Refining	1,396			1,390			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	837			826			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,480		)	(1,693		)	5
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	5,195		$	2,570		$	257

a. Molybdenum credits and revenues reflect volumes produced at market-based pricing and also include tolling revenues at Sierrita. 

b. Includes gold and silver product revenues and production costs.

50

North America Copper Mines Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Molybdenuma		Otherb		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3,755		$	3,755		$	363	$	63	$	4,181
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,932			1,782			165		37		1,984
By-product creditsa	(374		)	—			—		—		—
Treatment charges	120			115			—		5		120
Net cash costs	1,678			1,897			165		42		2,104
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	262			247			12		3		262
Noncash and other costs, net	98			95			2		1		98
Total costs	2,038			2,239			179		46		2,464
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	6			6			—		—		6
Gross profit	$	1,723		$	1,522		$	184	$	17	$	1,723
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	4,181		$	1,984		$	262
Treatment charges	N/A			120			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			98			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	6			N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	12			47			13
North America copper mines	4,199			2,249			275
South America mining	3,462			1,483			208
Indonesia mining	2,897			1,676			153
Africa mining	994			456			114
Molybdenum	982			812			47
Rod & Refining	3,822			3,800			7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,045			1,988			31
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,904		)	(4,822		)	21
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	13,497		$	7,642		$	856

a. Molybdenum credits and revenues reflect volumes produced at market-based pricing and also include tolling revenues at Sierrita. 

b. Includes gold and silver product revenues and production costs.

51

North America Copper Mines Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Molybdenuma		Otherb		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3,820		$	3,820		$	429	$	84	$	4,333
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,637			1,466			178		33		1,677
By-product creditsa	(473		)	—			—		—		—
Treatment charges	97			93			—		4		97
Net cash costs	1,261			1,559			178		37		1,774
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	185			173			10		2		185
Noncash and other costs, net	117			114			2		1		117
Total costs	1,563			1,846			190		40		2,076
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(1		)	(1		)	—		—		(1		)
Gross profit	$	2,256		$	1,973		$	239	$	44	$	2,256
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	4,333		$	1,677		$	185
Treatment charges	N/A			97			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			117			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(1		)	N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	7			32			11
North America copper mines	4,339			1,923			196
South America mining	3,903			1,330			187
Indonesia mining	4,656			1,547			179
Africa mining	963			422			98
Molybdenum	1,119			786			44
Rod & Refining	4,310			4,292			6
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,252			2,274			30
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,824		)	(5,070		)	16
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	16,718		$	7,504		$	756

a. Molybdenum credits and revenues reflect volumes produced at market-based pricing and also include tolling revenues at Sierrita. 

b. Includes gold and silver product revenues and production costs.

52

South America Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Other			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	1,132		$	1,132		$	84	a	$	1,216
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	503			464			45			509
By-product credits	(78		)	—			—			—
Treatment charges	52			52			—			52
Net cash costs	477			516			45			561
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	74			71			3			74
Noncash and other costs, net	22			14			8			22
Total costs	573			601			56			657
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	23			23			—			23
Gross profit	$	582		$	554		$	28		$	582
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,216		$	509		$	74
Treatment charges	(52		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			22			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	23			N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	5			(1		)	—
South America mining	1,192			530			74
North America copper mines	1,316			760			88
Indonesia mining	991			587			54
Africa mining	367			172			42
Molybdenum	308			273			18
Rod & Refining	1,228			1,222			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	638			624			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,623		)	(1,576		)	9
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	4,417		$	2,592		$	298

a. Includes gold sales of 21 thousand ounces ($1,736 per ounce average realized price), silver sales of 811 thousand ounces ($27.99 per ounce average realized price) and molybdenum sales of 2 million pounds ($9.71 per pound average realized price), which reflects molybdenum produced by Cerro Verde at market-based pricing.

53

South America Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Other			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	1,112		$	1,112		$	124	a	$	1,236
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	445			402			50			452
By-product credits	(117		)	—			—			—
Treatment charges	43			43			—			43
Net cash costs	371			445			50			495
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	64			60			4			64
Noncash and other costs, net	27			22			5			27
Total costs	462			527			59			586
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(147		)	(147		)	—			(147		)
Gross profit	$	503		$	438		$	65		$	503
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,236		$	452		$	64
Treatment charges	(43		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			27			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(147		)	N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	7			(1		)	—
South America mining	1,053			478			64
North America copper mines	1,419			664			67
Indonesia mining	1,362			503			62
Africa mining	276			142			32
Molybdenum	332			260			14
Rod & Refining	1,396			1,390			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	837			826			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,480		)	(1,693		)	5
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	5,195		$	2,570		$	257

a. Includes gold sales of 23 thousand ounces ($1,664 per ounce average realized price), silver sales of 834 thousand ounces ($40.75 per ounce average realized price) and molybdenum sales of 2 million pounds ($13.53 per pound average realized price), which reflects molybdenum produced by Cerro Verde at market-based pricing.

54

South America Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Other			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3,247		$	3,247		$	249	a	$	3,496
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,411			1,307			122			1,429
By-product credits	(231		)	—			—			—
Treatment charges	147			147			—			147
Net cash costs	1,327			1,454			122			1,576
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	208			197			11			208
Noncash and other costs, net	63			41			22			63
Total costs	1,598			1,692			155			1,847
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	105			105			—			105
Gross profit	$	1,754		$	1,660		$	94		$	1,754
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	3,496		$	1,429		$	208
Treatment charges	(147		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			63			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	105			N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	8			(9		)	—
South America mining	3,462			1,483			208
North America copper mines	4,199			2,249			275
Indonesia mining	2,897			1,676			153
Africa mining	994			456			114
Molybdenum	982			812			47
Rod & Refining	3,822			3,800			7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,045			1,988			31
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,904		)	(4,822		)	21
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	13,497		$	7,642		$	856

a. Includes gold sales of 56 thousand ounces ($1,678 per ounce average realized price), silver sales of 2.2 million ounces ($28.84 per ounce average realized price) and molybdenum sales of 6 million pounds ($11.26 per pound average realized price), which reflects molybdenum produced by Cerro Verde at market-based pricing.

55

South America Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Other			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3,688		$	3,688		$	372	a	$	4,060
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,268			1,159			128			1,287
By-product credits	(353		)	—			—			—
Treatment charges	164			164			—			164
Net cash costs	1,079			1,323			128			1,451
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	187			175			12			187
Noncash and other costs, net	68			60			8			68
Total costs	1,334			1,558			148			1,706
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	14			(6		)	20			14
Gross profit	$	2,368		$	2,124		$	244		$	2,368
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	4,060		$	1,287		$	187
Treatment charges	(164		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			68			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	14			N/A			N/A
Eliminations and other	(7		)	(25		)	—
South America mining	3,903			1,330			187
North America copper mines	4,339			1,923			196
Indonesia mining	4,656			1,547			179
Africa mining	963			422			98
Molybdenum	1,119			786			44
Rod & Refining	4,310			4,292			6
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,252			2,274			30
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,824		)	(5,070		)	16
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	16,718		$	7,504		$	756

a. Includes gold sales of 72 thousand ounces ($1,556 per ounce average realized price), silver sales of 2.3 million ounces ($38.70 per ounce average realized price) and molybdenum sales of 8 million pounds ($14.59 per pound average realized price), which reflects molybdenum produced by Cerro Verde at market-based pricing.

56

Indonesia Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Gold		Silver			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	729		$	729		$	307	$	15	a	$	1,051
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	578			401			169		8			578
Gold and silver credits	(324		)	—			—		—			—
Treatment charges	44			30			13		1			44
Royalty on metals	25			18			7		—			25
Net cash costs	323			449			189		9			647
Depreciation and amortization	54			37			16		1			54
Noncash and other costs, net	9			7			2		—			9
Total costs	386			493			207		10			710
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	7			7			2		—			9
Gross profit	$	350		$	243		$	102	$	5		$	350
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,051		$	578		$	54
Treatment charges	(44		)	N/A			N/A
Royalty on metals	(25		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			9			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	9			N/A			N/A
Indonesia mining	991			587			54
North America copper mines	1,316			760			88
South America mining	1,192			530			74
Africa mining	367			172			42
Molybdenum	308			273			18
Rod & Refining	1,228			1,222			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	638			624			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,623		)	(1,576		)	9
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	4,417		$	2,592		$	298

a. Includes silver sales of 469 thousand ounces ($33.04 per ounce average realized price).

57

Indonesia Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Gold		Silver			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	831		$	831		$	650	$	27	a	$	1,508
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	499			275			215		9			499
Gold and silver credits	(707		)	—			—		—			—
Treatment charges	47			26			20		1			47
Royalty on metals	41			23			17		1			41
Net cash (credits) costs	(120		)	324			252		11			587
Depreciation and amortization	62			34			27		1			62
Noncash and other costs, net	4			2			2		—			4
Total (credits) costs	(54		)	360			281		12			653
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(88		)	(88		)	28		2			(58		)
Gross profit	$	797		$	383		$	397	$	17		$	797
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,508		$	499		$	62
Treatment charges	(47		)	N/A			N/A
Royalty on metals	(41		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			4			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(58		)	N/A			N/A
Indonesia mining	1,362			503			62
North America copper mines	1,419			664			67
South America mining	1,053			478			64
Africa mining	276			142			32
Molybdenum	332			260			14
Rod & Refining	1,396			1,390			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	837			826			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,480		)	(1,693		)	5
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	5,195		$	2,570		$	257

a. Includes silver sales of 807 thousand ounces ($34.05 per ounce average realized price).

58

Indonesia Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Gold		Silver			Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	1,863		$	1,863		$	1,150	$	43	a	$	3,056
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,637			998			616		23			1,637
Gold and silver credits	(1,196		)	—			—		—			—
Treatment charges	107			65			40		2			107
Royalty on metals	68			42			25		1			68
Net cash costs	616			1,105			681		26			1,812
Depreciation and amortization	153			93			58		2			153
Noncash and other costs, net	39			24			15		—			39
Total costs	808			1,222			754		28			2,004
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	13			13			3		—			16
Gross profit	$	1,068		$	654		$	399	$	15		$	1,068
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	3,056		$	1,637		$	153
Treatment charges	(107		)	N/A			N/A
Royalty on metals	(68		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			39			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	16			N/A			N/A
Indonesia mining	2,897			1,676			153
North America copper mines	4,199			2,249			275
South America mining	3,462			1,483			208
Africa mining	994			456			114
Molybdenum	982			812			47
Rod & Refining	3,822			3,800			7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,045			1,988			31
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,904		)	(4,822		)	21
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	13,497		$	7,642		$	856

a. Includes silver sales of 1.4 million ounces ($31.04 per ounce average realized price).

59

Indonesia Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Gold			Silver				Total
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	3,040		$	3,040		$	1,829		$	92		a	$	4,961
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	1,521			932			561			28				1,521
Gold and silver credits	(1,903		)	—			—			—				—
Treatment charges	145			89			53			3				145
Royalty on metals	130			79			48			3				130
Net cash (credits) costs	(107		)	1,100			662			34				1,796
Depreciation and amortization	179			110			66			3				179
Noncash and other costs, net	26			16			10			—				26
Total costs	98			1,226			738			37				2,001
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(12		)	(12		)	(17		)	(1		)		(30		)
Gross profit	$	2,930		$	1,802		$	1,074		$	54			$	2,930
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	4,961		$	1,521		$	179
Treatment charges	(145		)	N/A			N/A
Royalty on metals	(130		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			26			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(30		)	N/A			N/A
Indonesia mining	4,656			1,547			179
North America copper mines	4,339			1,923			196
South America mining	3,903			1,330			187
Africa mining	963			422			98
Molybdenum	1,119			786			44
Rod & Refining	4,310			4,292			6
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,252			2,274			30
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,824		)	(5,070		)	16
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	16,718		$	7,504		$	756

a. Includes silver sales of 2.5 million ounces ($36.44 per ounce average realized price).

60

Africa Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Cobalt		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	312		$	312		$	64	$	376
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	143			127			39		166
Cobalt creditsb	(41		)	—			—		—
Royalty on metals	7			6			1		7
Net cash costs	109			133			40		173
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	42			38			4		42
Noncash and other costs, net	6			5			1		6
Total costs	157			176			45		221
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(2		)	(2		)	—		(2		)
Gross profit	$	153		$	134		$	19	$	153
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	376		$	166		$	42
Royalty on metals	(7		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			6			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(2		)	N/A			N/A
Africa mining	367			172			42
North America copper mines	1,316			760			88
South America mining	1,192			530			74
Indonesia mining	991			587			54
Molybdenum	308			273			18
Rod & Refining	1,228			1,222			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	638			624			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,623		)	(1,576		)	9
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	4,417		$	2,592		$	298

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. 

b. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

61

Africa Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Cobalt		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	226		$	226		$	56	$	282
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	101			92			31		123
Cobalt creditsb	(34		)	—			—		—
Royalty on metals	5			4			1		5
Net cash costs	72			96			32		128
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	32			27			5		32
Noncash and other costs, net	19			15			4		19
Total costs	123			138			41		179
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(1		)	(1		)	—		(1		)
Gross profit	$	102		$	87		$	15	$	102
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	282		$	123		$	32
Royalty on metals	(5		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			19			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(1		)	N/A			N/A
Africa mining	276			142			32
North America copper mines	1,419			664			67
South America mining	1,053			478			64
Indonesia mining	1,362			503			62
Molybdenum	332			260			14
Rod & Refining	1,396			1,390			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	837			826			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,480		)	(1,693		)	5
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	5,195		$	2,570		$	257

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. 

b. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

62

Africa Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Cobalt		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	845		$	845		$	157	$	1,002
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	368			341			95		436
Cobalt creditsb	(91		)	—			—		—
Royalty on metals	18			16			2		18
Net cash costs	295			357			97		454
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	114			101			13		114
Noncash and other costs, net	20			18			2		20
Total costs	429			476			112		588
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	8			8			2		10
Gross profit	$	424		$	377		$	47	$	424
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	1,002		$	436		$	114
Royalty on metals	(18		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			20			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	10			N/A			N/A
Africa mining	994			456			114
North America copper mines	4,199			2,249			275
South America mining	3,462			1,483			208
Indonesia mining	2,897			1,676			153
Molybdenum	982			812			47
Rod & Refining	3,822			3,800			7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,045			1,988			31
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,904		)	(4,822		)	21
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	13,497		$	7,642		$	856

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. 

b. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

63

Africa Mining Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(In millions)	By-Product			Co-Product Method
	Method			Copper			Cobalt		Total
Revenues, excluding adjustmentsa	$	779		$	779		$	201	$	980
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	313			275			105		380
Cobalt creditsb	(136		)	—			—		—
Royalty on metals	18			14			4		18
Net cash costs	195			289			109		398
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	98			83			15		98
Noncash and other costs, net	42			35			7		42
Total costs	335			407			131		538
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	(1		)	(1		)	2		1
Gross profit	$	443		$	371		$	72	$	443
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported
	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Totals presented above	$	980		$	380		$	98
Royalty on metals	(18		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			42			N/A
Revenue adjustments, primarily for pricing on prior period open sales	1			N/A			N/A
Africa mining	963			422			98
North America copper mines	4,339			1,923			196
South America mining	3,903			1,330			187
Indonesia mining	4,656			1,547			179
Molybdenum	1,119			786			44
Rod & Refining	4,310			4,292			6
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,252			2,274			30
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,824		)	(5,070		)	16
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	16,718		$	7,504		$	756

a. Includes point-of-sale transportation costs as negotiated in customer contracts. 

b. Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

64

Henderson Molybdenum Mine Product Revenues and Production Costs

	Three Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)	2012			2011
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	119		$	163
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	54			55
Treatment charges and other	8			11
Net cash costs	62			66
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	9			10
Noncash and other costs, net	4			—
Total costs	75			76
Gross profita	$	44		$	87
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Totals presented above	$	119		$	54		$	9
Treatment charges and other	(8		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			4			N/A
Henderson mine	111			58			9
Other molybdenum operations and eliminationsb	197			215			9
Molybdenum	308			273			18
North America copper mines	1,316			760			88
South America mining	1,192			530			74
Indonesia mining	991			587			54
Africa mining	367			172			42
Rod & Refining	1,228			1,222			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	638			624			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,623		)	(1,576		)	9
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	4,417		$	2,592		$	298
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Totals presented above	$	163		$	55		$	10
Treatment charges and other	(11		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			—			N/A
Henderson mine	152			55			10
Other molybdenum operations and eliminationsb	180			205			4
Molybdenum	332			260			14
North America copper mines	1,419			664			67
South America mining	1,053			478			64
Indonesia mining	1,362			503			62
Africa mining	276			142			32
Rod & Refining	1,396			1,390			2
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	837			826			11
Corporate, other & eliminations	(1,480		)	(1,693		)	5
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	5,195		$	2,570		$	257

a. Gross profit reflects sales of Henderson production to our Molybdenum sales company based on volumes produced at market-based pricing. On a consolidated basis, the Molybdenum division includes profits on sales as they are made to third parties and realizations based on actual contract terms. As a result, the actual gross profit realized will differ from the amounts reported in this table.

b. Primarily includes amounts associated with the molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by our North and South America copper mines. Also includes the results of the Climax molybdenum mine, which commenced commercial production in May 2012.

65

Henderson Molybdenum Mine Product Revenues and Production Costs (continued)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions)	2012			2011
Revenues, excluding adjustments	$	383		$	499
Site production and delivery, before net noncash and other costs shown below	159			158
Treatment charges and other	23			28
Net cash costs	182			186
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	25			27
Noncash and other costs, net	5			1
Total costs	212			214
Gross profita	$	171		$	285
Reconciliation to Amounts Reported	Revenues			Production and Delivery			Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Totals presented above	$	383		$	159		$	25
Treatment charges and other	(23		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			5			N/A
Henderson mine	360			164			25
Other molybdenum operations and eliminationsb	622			648			22
Molybdenum	982			812			47
North America copper mines	4,199			2,249			275
South America mining	3,462			1,483			208
Indonesia mining	2,897			1,676			153
Africa mining	994			456			114
Rod & Refining	3,822			3,800			7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,045			1,988			31
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,904		)	(4,822		)	21
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	13,497		$	7,642		$	856
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Totals presented above	$	499		$	158		$	27
Treatment charges and other	(28		)	N/A			N/A
Net noncash and other costs	N/A			1			N/A
Henderson mine	471			159			27
Other molybdenum operations and eliminationsb	648			627			17
Molybdenum	1,119			786			44
North America copper mines	4,339			1,923			196
South America mining	3,903			1,330			187
Indonesia mining	4,656			1,547			179
Africa mining	963			422			98
Rod & Refining	4,310			4,292			6
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining	2,252			2,274			30
Corporate, other & eliminations	(4,824		)	(5,070		)	16
As reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements	$	16,718		$	7,504		$	756

a. Gross profit reflects sales of Henderson production to our Molybdenum sales company based on volumes produced at market-based pricing. On a consolidated basis, the Molybdenum division includes profits on sales as they are made to third parties and realizations based on actual contract terms. As a result, the actual gross profit realized will differ from the amounts reported in this table.

b. Primarily includes amounts associated with the molybdenum sales company, which includes sales of molybdenum produced by our North and South America copper mines. Also includes the results of the Climax molybdenum mine, which commenced commercial production in May 2012.

66

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Our discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements in which we discuss factors we believe may affect our future performance.  Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical facts, such as those statements regarding projected ore grades and milling rates, projected production and sales volumes, projected unit net cash costs, projected operating cash flows, projected capital expenditures, exploration efforts and results, mine production and development plans, the impact of deferred intercompany profits on earnings, liquidity, other financial commitments and tax rates, the impact of copper, gold, molybdenum and cobalt price changes, future dividend payments and potential share purchases.  The words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be,” and any similar expressions are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements.  The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include commodity prices, mine sequencing, production rates, industry risks, regulatory changes, political risks,the outcome of ongoing discussions with the Indonesian government, the potential effects of violence in Indonesia, the resolution of administrative disputes in the DRC, weather- and climate-related risks, labor relations, environmental risks, litigation results, currency translation risks and other factors described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC.

Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after our forward-looking statements are made, including for example commodity prices, which we cannot control, and production volumes and costs, some aspects of which we may or may not be able to control. Further, we may make changes to our business plans that could or will affect our results. We caution investors that we do not intend to update our forward-looking statements more frequently than quarterly notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, changes in our business plans, our actual experience, or other changes, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

67

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no material changes in our market risks during the three-month period ended September 30, 2012. For additional information on market risks, refer to “Disclosures About Market Risks” included in Part II, Item 7A. of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. For projected sensitivities of our operating cash flow to changes in commodity prices, refer to “Outlook” in Part I, Item 2. of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2012; for projected sensitivities of our provisionally priced copper sales to changes in commodity prices refer to “Consolidated Results – Revenues” in Part I, Item 2. of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2012.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with the participation of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2012.

(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. During second-quarter 2011, we began a phased implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) information technology system to upgrade our information technology infrastructure and enhance operating efficiency and effectiveness. Implementation has been completed at our North America, South America and Africa mining operations, and has recently commenced at our Indonesia mining operations. We expect implementation of the ERP system to be completed at all of our operations over an approximate two-year period. During each phase of the implementation, an appropriate level of training of employees, testing of the system and monitoring of the financial results recorded in the system is conducted. Management has updated our system of internal control over financial reporting for the impacted operating business units.

With the exception of the ERP implementation described above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2012, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in numerous legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business or are associated with environmental issues arising from legacy operations conducted over the years by Freeport-McMoRan Corporation (FMC - formerly Phelps Dodge Corporation) and its affiliates. We are also involved from time to time in other reviews, investigations and proceedings by government agencies, some of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief.

Management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcome of any proceeding reported in Note 13 and incorporated by reference into Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q) will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition; although individual outcomes could be material to our operating results for a particular period, depending on the nature and magnitude of the outcome and the operating results for the period. Refer to Note 8 for discussion of updates to previously reported legal proceedings.

68

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to our risk factors during the three-month period ended September 30, 2012. For additional information on risk factors, refer to Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as updated by Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c) The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) common stock purchased by us during the three months ended September 30, 2012:

Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased	(b) Average Price Paid Per Share	(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programsa	(d) Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programsa
July 1-31, 2012	—	—	—	23,685,500
August 1-31, 2012	—	—	—	23,685,500
September 1-30, 2012	—	—	—	23,685,500
Total	—		—	23,685,500

a. On July 21, 2008, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our open-market share purchase program for up to 30 million shares, of which 23.7 million shares remain available for purchase. There have been no purchases under this program since 2008. This program does not have an expiration date.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.

The safety and health of all employees is our highest priority. Management believes that safety and health considerations are integral to, and compatible with, all other functions in the organization and that proper safety and health management will enhance production and reduce costs. Our approach towards the safety and health of our workforce is to continuously improve performance through implementing robust management systems and providing adequate training, safety incentive and occupational health programs. The information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Item 6. Exhibits.

The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on Page E-1 hereof.

69

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
By:	/s/ Kathleen L. Quirk
	Kathleen L. Quirk
	Executive Vice President,
	Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
	(authorized signatory
	and Principal Financial Officer)

Date:  November 2, 2012

70

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
		Filed
Exhibit		with this	Incorporated by Reference
Number	Exhibit Title	Form 10-Q	Form	File No.	Date Filed
3.1	Composite Certificate of Incorporation of FCX.		10-Q	001-11307-01	8/6/2010
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of FCX, as amended through February 2, 2010.		8-K	001-11307-01	2/5/2010
4.1	Indenture dated as of February 13, 2012, between FCX and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.		8-K	001-11307-01	2/13/2012
4.2	First Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 13, 2012, between FCX and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.		8-K	001-11307-01	2/13/2012
4.3	Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 13, 2012, between FCX and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.		8-K	001-11307-01	2/13/2012
4.4	Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 13, 2012, between FCX and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.		8-K	001-11307-01	2/13/2012
15.1	Letter from Ernst & Young LLP regarding unaudited interim financial statements.	X
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d – 14(a).	X
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d – 14(a).	X
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	X
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350.	X
95.1	Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data.	X
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document.	X
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.	X
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.	X
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.	X
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.	X
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.	X

E-1

EX-15.1

Exhibit 15.1

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.:

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-179420) and Forms S-8 (File Nos. 33-63267, 33-63269, 33-63271, 333-85803, 333-105535, 333-115292, 333-136084, 333-141358 and 333-147413) of our report dated November 2, 2012 relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. that is included in its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona

November 2, 2012

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification

I, Richard C. Adkerson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: November 2, 2012

By:          /s/  Richard C. Adkerson

Richard C. Adkerson

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification

I, Kathleen L. Quirk, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: November 2, 2012

By:          /s/  Kathleen L. Quirk

Kathleen L. Quirk

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

(Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ending September 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Richard C. Adkerson, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 2, 2012

By:          /s/  Richard C. Adkerson

Richard C. Adkerson

President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This certification shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of § 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

(Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.(the “Company”) for the quarter ending September 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Kathleen L. Quirk, as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of her knowledge:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 2, 2012

By:          /s/  Kathleen L. Quirk

Kathleen L. Quirk

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This certification shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of § 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EX-95.1

Exhibit 95.1

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Safety Data

FCX's U.S. mining operations are subject to regulations issued by MSHA under the U.S. Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act). MSHA inspects our U.S. mines on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. Whenever MSHA issues a citation or order, it also generally proposes a civil penalty, or fine, related to the alleged violation. Citations or orders can be contested and appealed, and as part of that process, are often reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed. The number of citations, orders and proposed assessments varies depending on the size and type (underground or surface) of the mine, among other factors.

The following disclosures have been provided pursuant to Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Act).

Mine Safety Data. Following provides additional information about references used in the table below to describe the categories of violations, orders or citations issued by MSHA under the Mine Act:

• Section 104 S&S Citations: Citations issued by MSHA under Section 104(a) of the Mine Act for violations of health or safety standards that could significantly and substantially contribute to a serious injury if left unabated.

• Section 104(b) Orders: Orders issued under Section 104(b) of the Mine Act, which represent a failure to abate a citation under Section 104(a) within the period prescribed by MSHA. This results in an order of immediate withdrawal from the area of the mine affected by the condition until MSHA determines that the violation has been abated.

• Section 104(d) Citations and Orders: Citations and orders issued by MSHA under Section 104(d) of the Mine Act for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards. These types of violations could significantly and substantially contribute to a serious injury; however, the conditions do not cause imminent danger (refer to discussion of imminent danger orders below).

• Section 110(b)(2) Violations: Flagrant violations identified by MSHA under Section 110(b)(2) of the Mine Act. The term flagrant with respect to a violation is defined as “a reckless or repeated failure to make reasonable efforts to eliminate a known violation of a mandatory health or safety standard that substantially and proximately caused, or reasonably could have expected to cause, death or serious bodily injury.”

• Section 107(a) Orders: Orders issued by MSHA under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act for situations in which MSHA determined an imminent danger existed. Orders issued under Section 107(a) of the Mine Act require the operator of the mine to cause all persons (except authorized persons) to be withdrawn from the mine until the imminent danger and the conditions that caused such imminent danger cease to exist.

The following table details the violations, citations and orders issued to us by MSHA during the three months ended September 30, 2012:

										Potential
										to Have
									Pattern of	Pattern of
				Section					Violations	Violation
		Section	Section	104(d)	Section	Section		Mining	Under	Under
		104 S&S	104(b)	Citations	110(b)(2)	107(a)	Proposed	Related	Section	Section
		Citations	Orders	and Orders	Violations	Orders	Assessments(2)	Fatalities	104(e)	104(e)
Mine ID(1)	Mine or Operation Name	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	($)	(#)	(yes/no)	(yes/no)
0200137	Freeport-McMoRan Bagdad Inc. (Bagdad)	8	—	—	—	—	45,048	—	No	No
	Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company (Chino):
2900708	Chino Mines Co Mine	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
2900762	SX-EW	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
2901882	Ivanhoe Concentrator	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
0200112	Freeport-McMoRan Miami Inc (Miami)	10	—	—	—	—	20,937	—	No	No
0200024	Freeport-McMoRan Morenci Inc (Morenci)	4	—	—	—	—	4,687	—	No	No
0203131	Freeport-McMoRan Safford Inc (Safford)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
0200144	Freeport-McMoRan Sierrita Inc (Sierrita)	16	—	—	—	—	25,182	—	No	No
2900159	Tyrone Mine (Tyrone)	6	—	—	—	—	11,088	—	No	No
0500790	Henderson Operations (Henderson)	2	—	—	—	—	3,499	—	No	No
0502256	Climax Mine (Climax)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
	Freeport-McMoRan Cobre Mining Company:
2900725	Open Pit & Continental Surf Comp	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
2900731	Continental Mill Complex	—	—	—	—	—	200	—	No	No
0201656	Copper Queen Branch	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
0202579	Cyprus Tohono Corporation	1	—	—	—	—	571	—	No	No
0203262	Twin Buttes Mine	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
2902395	Chieftain 2100 Screening Plant	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No
0203254	Warrior 1800 Screening Plant	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	No	No

(1) MSHA assigns an identification number to each mine or operation and may or may not assign separate identification numbers to related facilities.

(2) Amounts represent the total dollar value of proposed assessments received on or before October 31, 2012, for citations or orders issued by MSHA during the three months ended September 30, 2012. FCX is currently contesting less than one thousand of these proposed assessments.

Pending Legal Actions. The table below provides a summary of legal actions pending before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (the Commission) as well as the aggregate number of legal actions instituted and resolved during the three months ended September 30, 2012. The Commission is an independent adjudicative agency established by the Mine Act that provides administrative trial and appellate review of legal disputes arising under the Mine Act. These cases may involve, among other questions, challenges by operators to citations, orders and penalties they have received from MSHA, or complaints of discrimination by miners under Section 105 of the Mine Act. The following provides additional information of the types of proceedings that may be brought before the Commission:

• Contest Proceedings - A contest proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge the issuance of a citation or order issued by MSHA.

• Civil Penalty Proceedings - A civil penalty proceeding may be filed by an operator to challenge a civil penalty MSHA has proposed for a violation contained in a citation or order. FCX does not institute civil penalty proceedings based solely on the assessment amount of proposed penalties. Any initiated adjudications described in the table below address substantive matters of law and policy instituted on conditions that are alleged to be in violation of mandatory standards or the Mine Act.

• Discrimination Proceedings - Involves a miner's allegation that he or she has suffered adverse employment action because he or she engaged in activity protected under the Mine Act, such as making a safety complaint. Also includes temporary reinstatement proceedings involving cases in which a miner has filed a complaint with MSHA stating that he or she has suffered discrimination and the miner has lost his or her position.

• Compensation Proceedings - A compensation proceeding may be filed by miners entitled to compensation when a mine is closed by certain closure orders issued by MSHA. The purpose of the proceeding is to determine the amount of compensation, if any, due to miners idled by the orders.

• Temporary Relief - Applications for temporary relief are applications filed under section 105(b)(2) of the Mine Act for temporary relief from any modification or termination of any order.

• Appeals - An appeal may be filed by an operator to challenge judges decisions or orders to the commission, including petitions for discretionary review and review by the commission on its own motion.

	Legal Actions Pending at September 30, 20122
	Contest	Civil Penalty	Discrimination	Compensation	Temporary			Legal Actions	Legal Actions
	Proceedings	Proceedings	Proceedings	Proceedings	Relief	Appeals	Total	Instituted(2)	Resolved(3)
Mine ID(1)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)	(#)
0200137	12	—	1	—	—	—	13	—	—
2900708	7	—	—	—	—	—	7	—	—
2900762	7	—	—	—	—	—	7	—	—
2901882	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0200112	13	—	—	—	—	—	13	—	—
0200024	118	—	—	—	—	—	118	17	1
0203131	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0200144	46	—	—	—	—	—	46	—	10
2900159	8	—	—	—	—	—	8	1	1
0500790	11	—	1	—	—	—	12	7	5
0502256	1	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	—
2900725	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2900731	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0201656	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0202579	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0203262	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2902395	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
0203254	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

(1) MSHA assigns an identification number to each mine or operation and may or may not assign separate identification numbers to related facilities. Refer to "Mine Safety Data" table for related mine or operation name.

(2) Legal actions pending at September 30, 2012, and legal actions instituted during the three month period are based on the date that a docket number was assigned to the proceeding.

(3) Legal actions resolved during the three month period are based on the date that the settlement motion resolving disputed matters is filed with the Commission and the matter is effectively closed by MSHA.

XML

Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Unsettled Derivatives (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Paid to brokers associated with margin requirements			$ 31
Received from customers associated with margin requirements	1		3
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	11	[1],[2]	3	[1],[2]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability position	1	[2],[3]	13	[2],[3]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Net accounts receivable [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	131	[4]	72	[4]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Net accounts payable [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability position	74	[4]	82	[4]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset position	1	[1]	2	[1]
Commodity Contract [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability position	$ 1	[3]	$ 0	[3]

[1] Amounts recorded in other current assets.

[2] FCX received $1 million from brokers associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities) as of September 30, 2012, and FCX paid $31 million for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets) as of December 31, 2011. In addition, FCX held $3 million in margin funding from customers as of December 31, 2011, associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities).

[3] Amounts recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

[4] Amounts recorded either as a net accounts receivable or a net accounts payable.

XML

Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 1,140	$ 1,294		$ 3,035		$ 4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316)	(241)		(737)		(961)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$ 824	$ 1,053		$ 2,298		$ 3,920
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	949	948		949		947
Add stock issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in shares)	953	955		953		955
Diluted net income per share attributable to FCX common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.86	$ 1.10		$ 2.41		$ 4.10
Potential anti-dilutive additional shares of common stock (in shares)		3		1		2
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than average market price of common stock	24	5		19		3
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding stock options not in-the-money	$ 42.52	$ 55.57		$ 43.80		$ 55.74
Dilutive Stock Options [Member]
Add stock issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Incremental common shares (in shares)	3	6	[1]	3	[1]	7	[1]
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Add stock issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Incremental common shares (in shares)	1	1		1		1

[1] Excluded shares of common stock associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method of approximately three million for the third-quarter 2011, one million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and two million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

XML

Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Inventories, Including Long Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Abstract]

Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles

INVENTORIES, INCLUDING LONG-TERM MILL AND LEACH STOCKPILES

The components of inventories follow (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Mining operations:a
Raw materials	$	2	$	1
Finished goodsb	820		769
Atlantic Copper, S.L.U. (Atlantic Copper):
Raw materials (concentrates)	339		260
Work-in-process	191		187
Finished goods	22		9
Total product inventories	1,374		1,226
Total materials and supplies, netc	1,465		1,354
Total inventories, excluding mill and leach stockpiles	$	2,839	$	2,580

a. FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories (i.e., mill and leach stockpiles), which are summarized below.

b. Primarily included molybdenum concentrates and copper concentrates, anodes, cathodes and rod.

c. Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $26 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

A summary of mill and leach stockpiles follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Current:
Mill stockpiles	$	97	$	69
Leach stockpiles	1,498		1,220
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,595	$	1,289
Long-term:a
Mill stockpiles	$	595	$	535
Leach stockpiles	1,276		1,151
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,871	$	1,686

a. Metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

XML

Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended			4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 Line of Credit [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Senior Notes [Member] 1.40% Senior Notes due 2015 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Senior Notes [Member] 2.15% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	Feb. 28, 2012 Senior Notes [Member] 3.55% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Senior Notes [Member] 8.25% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior Notes [Member] 8.25% Senior Notes Due 2015 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Senior Notes [Member] 8.375% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Senior Notes [Member] 8.375% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Due 2031 [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Face amount of senior notes sold							$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 2,000,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	2,970,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate (percent)							1.40%	2.15%	3.55%	8.25%			8.375%	9.50%	9.50%
Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment							February 13 and August 13	March 1 and September 1	March 1 and September 1
Debt Instrument, Redemption Date										Apr. 01, 2011		Mar. 14, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount										1,100,000,000		3,000,000,000		35,000,000
Early Repayment of Senior Debt														49,000,000
Redemption price percentage to principal amount										104.125%		104.553%
Losses on early extinguishment of debt		0	0	168,000,000	68,000,000	7,000,000					55,000,000		168,000,000		6,000,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax						$ 6,000,000					$ 49,000,000		$ 149,000,000		$ 5,000,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt effect on diluted earnings per share						$ 0.01					$ 0.05		$ 0.16		$ 0.01

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Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012 Cerro Verde [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Cerro Verde [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Cerro Verde [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Taxes on U.S. operations	$ 98		$ 163	$ 291		$ 421
Taxes on international operations	117	[1]	645	837	[1]	2,277
Total	215		808	1,128		2,698
Consolidated effective income tax rate (percent)				27.00%		36.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Excluding Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits				33.00%
Term of Stability Agreement							15 years
Effective Date of Stability Agreement with Foreign Government							Jan. 01, 2014
Foreign Income Tax Rate							30.00%
Foreign Income Tax Rate Under New Stability Agreegment							32.00%
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense from New Stability Agreement								26
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense from New Stability Agreement Net of Noncontrolling Interest								23
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits								(234)
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits, Net of Noncontrolling Interest								(123)
Additional Tax Expense From New Legislation On Mining Royalties									57
Additional Tax Expense From New Legislation On Mining Royalties Net Of Noncontrolling Interests									$ 50

[1] Included a net tax benefit of $234 million associated with an adjustment to Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability.

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Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited) Interests and Dividends (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Feb. 07, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Interest costs incurred	$ 56	$ 105	$ 210	$ 325
Interest costs capitalized	$ 14	$ 27	$ 62	$ 75
Annual Cash Dividend Before Increase					$ 1.00
Annual Cash Dividend Current					$ 1.25
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3125		$ 0.3125
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Sep. 26, 2012
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Nov. 01, 2012
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Oct. 15, 2012

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Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Details) (Commodity Contract [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Amounts recorded in Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative financial instruments	$ 13		$ (62)		$ 20		$ (72)
Hedged item	(13)		62		(20)		72
Matured derivative financial instruments	1		(10)		(3)		(4)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Atlantic Copper [Member] | Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts [Member] | Amounts recorded in Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	164	[1]	(657)	[1]	188	[1]	(682)	[1]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member] | Atlantic Copper [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Amounts recorded in Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)	$ 5	[2]	$ 4	[2]	$ 17	[2]	$ (2)	[2]

[1] Amounts recorded in revenues.

[2] Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

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Earnings Per Share (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS PER SHARE

FCX’s basic net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing net income attributable to FCX common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2012			2011				2012				2011
Net income	$	1,140		$	1,294			$	3,035			$	4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316		)	(241		)		(737		)		(961		)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	824		$	1,053			$	2,298			$	3,920
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	949			948				949				947
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Dilutive stock options	3			6			a	3			a	7			a
Restricted stock units	1			1				1				1
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share	953			955				953				955
Diluted net income per share attributable to FCX   common stockholders	$	0.86		$	1.10			$	2.41			$	4.10

a. Excluded shares of common stock associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method of approximately three million for the third-quarter 2011, one million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and two million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of FCX’s common stock during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share of common stock. Excluded amounts were approximately 24 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $42.52 per option for third-quarter2012 and approximately 19 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $43.80 per option for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Approximately 5 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $55.57 per option were excluded for third-quarter2011, and approximately 3 million stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $55.74 per option were excluded for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

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Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details)	Sep. 30, 2012 lb
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts - Copper [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	557,000,000
Average contract price	3.49
Average market price	3.72
Maturities through	March 2013
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts - Gold [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	67,000
Average contract price	1,698
Average market price	1,781
Maturities through	December 2012
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts - Copper [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	326,000,000
Average contract price	3.50
Average market price	3.72
Maturities through	January 2013
Atlantic Copper [Member] | Copper forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	31,000,000
Average contract price	3.71
Maturities through	December 2012
Commodity Contract [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Open positions (in lbs except gold in oz)	53,000,000
Average contract price	3.59
Maturities through	December 2013

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,727		$ 4,822
Trade accounts receivable	1,424		892
Other accounts receivable	242		250
Inventories:
Mill and leach stockpiles	1,595		1,289
Materials and supplies, net	1,465	[1]	1,354	[1]
Product	1,374		1,226
Other current assets	353		214
Total current assets	10,180		10,047
Property, plant, equipment and development costs, net	20,294		18,449
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles	1,871		1,686
Long-term receivables	1,004		675
Intangible assets, net	321		325
Other assets	847		888
Total assets	34,517		32,070
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,531		2,297
Dividends payable	299		240
Current portion of reclamation and environmental obligations	259		236
Accrued income taxes	59		163
Current portion of debt	2		4
Total current liabilities	3,150		2,940
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,521		3,533
Deferred income taxes	3,378		3,255
Reclamation and environmental obligations, less current portion	2,194		2,138
Other liabilities	1,531		1,651
Total liabilities	13,774		13,517
FCX stockholders' equity:
Common stock	107		107
Capital in excess of par value	19,094		19,007
Retained earnings	1,953		546
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(439)		(465)
Common stock held in treasury	(3,576)		(3,553)
Total FCX stockholders' equity	17,139		15,642
Noncontrolling interests	3,604		2,911
Total equity	20,743		18,553
Total liabilities and equity	$ 34,517		$ 32,070

[1] Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $26 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

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Consolidated Statement of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Total FCX Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Common Stock Held in Treasury [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 18,553	$ 15,642	$ 107	$ 19,007	$ 546	$ (465)	$ (3,553)	$ 2,911
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011			1,071				123
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercised and issued stock-based awards	14	14	0	14	0	0	0	0
Exercised and issued stock-based awards (in shares)			2				0
Stock-based compensation	77	77	0	77	0	0	0	0
Tax benefit for stock-based awards	6	6	0	6	0	0	0	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards	(16)	(16)	0	7	0	0	(23)	0
Tender of shares for stock-based awards (in shares)			0				1
Dividends on common stock	(891)	(891)	0	0	(891)	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(76)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(76)
Change in ownership interests	0	(17)	0	(17)	0	0	0	17
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	15							15
Total comprehensive income	3,061	2,324	0	0	2,298	26	0	737
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 20,743	$ 17,139	$ 107	$ 19,094	$ 1,953	$ (439)	$ (3,576)	$ 3,604
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012			1,073				124

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Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended													9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Cerro Verde [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Tax Assessment [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Interest Assessment [Member]	Oct. 31, 2010 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2005 [Member]	Oct. 31, 2010 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2005 [Member] Tax Assessment [Member]	Oct. 31, 2010 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2005 [Member] Interest Assessment [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2006 [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2006 [Member] Tax Assessment [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2006 [Member] Interest Assessment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2007 [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2007 [Member] Tax Assessment [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 PT Freeport Indonesia [Member] Relating To 2007 [Member] Interest Assessment [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Tenke Fungurume [Member]	Mar. 26, 2012 Tenke Fungurume [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Tenke Fungurume [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Increase (Decrease) for Revision in Estimates	$ (82)	$ 31	$ (36)	$ 35
Asset retirement obligation, revision of estimate					77
Foreign government assessment in connection with alleged obligations						325	219	106	158	106	52	32	22	10	135	91	44
Disputed tax assessments paid						158
Disputed tax assessments paid, long-term portion						124
Company's direct ownership percentage																			56.00%	57.75%
Intercompany loans converted to equity																		$ 50

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Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s other financial instruments follows (in millions):

	At September 30, 2012
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	453		436		—		436		—
Money market fundsa, c	47		47		47		—		—
Equity securitiesa, c	8		8		8		—		—
Total investment securities	508		491		55		436		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
U.S. core fixed income fund	49		49		—		49		—
Government mortgage-backed securities	41		41		—		41		—
Corporate bonds	30		30		—		30		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Asset-backed securities	13		13		—		13		—
Money market funds	6		6		6		—		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	161		161		6		155		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	131		131		—		131		—
Copper futures and swap contractse	11		11		10		1		—
Copper forward contractse	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative assets	143		143		11		132		—
Total assets			$	3,848	$	3,125	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	74	$	74	$	—	$	74	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Copper forward contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative liabilities	76		76		2		74		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,523		3,632		—		3,632		—
Total liabilities			$	3,708	$	2	$	3,706	$	—

	At December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	475		507		—		507		—
Equity securitiesa, c	9		9		9		—		—
Money market fundsa, c	2		2		2		—		—
Total investment securities	486		518		11		507		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
Government mortgage-backed securities	47		47		—		47		—
U.S. core fixed income fund	46		46		—		46		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Corporate bonds	19		19		—		19		—
Money market funds	9		9		9		—		—
Asset-backed securities	9		9		—		9		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	152		152		9		143		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	72		72		—		72		—
Copper futures and swaps contractse	3		3		3		—		—
Copper forward contractse	2		2		1		1		—
Total derivative assets	77		77		4		73		—
Total assets			$	4,754	$	4,031	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	82	$	82	$	—	$	82	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	13		13		11		2		—
Total derivative liabilities	95		95		11		84		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,537		3,797		—		3,797		—
Total liabilities			$	3,892	$	11	$	3,881	$	—

a. Recorded at fair value. 

b. Recorded at cost and included in other assets.

c. Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets. 

d. Embedded derivatives are recorded in accounts receivable and/or accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

e. Included in other current assets.

f. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

g. Recorded at cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

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Business Segments (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$ 4,417		$ 5,195		$ 13,497		$ 16,718
Intersegment	0		0		0		0
Production and delivery	2,592		2,570		7,642		7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	298		257		856		756
Selling, general and administrative expenses	110		102		311		323
Exploration and research expenses	79		78		214		194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	(73)		38		18		98
Operating income (loss)	1,411		2,150		4,456		7,843
Interest expense, net	42		78		148		250
Provision for income taxes	215		808		1,128		2,698
Total assets	34,517		31,708		34,517		31,708		32,070
Capital expenditures	971		717		2,518		1,749
Sales from PT Freeport Indonesia to PT Smelting	520		665		1,477		2,000
North America Copper Mines Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	49		122		179		525
Intersegment	1,267		1,297		4,020		3,814
Production and delivery	760		664		2,249		1,923
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	88		67		275		196
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1		3		3
Exploration and research expenses	1		3		1		4
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		(14)		42		(11)
Operating income (loss)	466		698		1,629		2,224
Interest expense, net	2		1		4		6
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	7,825		6,947		7,825		6,947
Capital expenditures	272		138		569		342
Morenci [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	39		78		157		371
Intersegment	456		450		1,374		1,274
Production and delivery	268		252		803		719
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	31		27		95		85
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0		1		1
Exploration and research expenses	1		3		1		4
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		1		0		4
Operating income (loss)	195		245		631		832
Interest expense, net	1		0		1		2
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	2,297		1,981		2,297		1,981
Capital expenditures	108		21		204		69
Other North America Copper Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	10		44		22		154
Intersegment	811		847		2,646		2,540
Production and delivery	492		412		1,446		1,204
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	57		40		180		111
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1		2		2
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		(15)		42		(15)
Operating income (loss)	271		453		998		1,392
Interest expense, net	1		1		3		4
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	5,528		4,966		5,528		4,966
Capital expenditures	164		117		365		273
South America Mines Segment [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	995		966		2,848		3,465
Intersegment	197		87		614		438
Production and delivery	530		478		1,483		1,330
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	74		64		208		187
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2		2		5		5
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	586		509		1,766		2,381
Interest expense, net	0		0		5		1
Provision for income taxes	(16)		202		375		829
Total assets	9,936		8,361		9,936		8,361
Capital expenditures	267		174		659		431
Cerro Verde [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	504		396		1,285		1,662
Intersegment	71		105		349		303
Production and delivery	197		196		575		569
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	39		32		102		102
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1		2		3
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	338		272		955		1,291
Interest expense, net	0		0		5		1
Provision for income taxes	(88)	[1]	154		131	[1]	476
Total assets	5,704		4,886		5,704		4,886
Capital expenditures	180		64		365		120
Other South America Mines [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	491		570		1,563		1,803
Intersegment	126		(18)		265		135
Production and delivery	333		282		908		761
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	35		32		106		85
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		1		3		2
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	248		237		811		1,090
Interest expense, net	0		0		0		0
Provision for income taxes	72		48		244		353
Total assets	4,232		3,475		4,232		3,475
Capital expenditures	87		110		294		311
Indonesia - Grasberg [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	845	[2]	1,275	[2]	2,673	[3]	4,112	[3]
Intersegment	146		87		224		544
Production and delivery	587		503		1,676		1,547
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	54		62		153		179
Selling, general and administrative expenses	31		29		91		100
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	319		768		977		2,830
Interest expense, net	3		7		6		9
Provision for income taxes	111		333		387		1,234
Total assets	6,393		5,437		6,393		5,437
Capital expenditures	237		162		624		463
Africa - Tenke [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	365		275		985		959
Intersegment	2		1		9		4
Production and delivery	172		142		456		422
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	42		32		114		98
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2		1		5		6
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	151		101		419		437
Interest expense, net	0		2		0		5
Provision for income taxes	28		20		79		100
Total assets	4,490		3,791		4,490		3,791
Capital expenditures	131		49		428		89
Molybdenum [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	308		332		982		1,119
Intersegment	0		0		0		0
Production and delivery	273		260		812		786
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	18		14		47		44
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3		3		9		11
Exploration and research expenses	0		1		2		3
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	14		54		112		275
Interest expense, net	0		0		0		0
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	2,580		2,342		2,580		2,342
Capital expenditures	44		155		197		317
Rod & Refining [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	1,221		1,389		3,802		4,291
Intersegment	7		7		20		19
Production and delivery	1,222		1,390		3,800		4,292
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	2		2		7		6
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0		0		0		0
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		1
Operating income (loss)	4		4		15		11
Interest expense, net	0		0		0		0
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	330		323		330		323
Capital expenditures	2		2		5		7
Atlantic Copper Smelting & Refining [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	633		834		2,023		2,241
Intersegment	5		3		22		11
Production and delivery	624		826		1,988		2,274
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	11		11		31		30
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4		5		14		18
Exploration and research expenses	0		0		0		0
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	0		0		0		0
Operating income (loss)	(1)		(5)		12		(70)
Interest expense, net	3		4		9		12
Provision for income taxes	0		0		0		0
Total assets	1,192		955		1,192		955
Capital expenditures	4		5		11		29
Corporate, Other & Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	1		2		5		6
Intersegment	(1,624)		(1,482)		(4,909)		(4,830)
Production and delivery	(1,576)		(1,693)		(4,822)		(5,070)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	9		5		21		16
Selling, general and administrative expenses	67		61		184		180
Exploration and research expenses	78		74		211		187
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	(73)		52		(24)		108
Operating income (loss)	(128)		21		(474)		(245)
Interest expense, net	34		64		124		217
Provision for income taxes	92		253		287		535
Total assets	1,771		3,552		1,771		3,552
Capital expenditures	14		32		25		71
Cerro Verde [Member]
Revenues:
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Foreign Reinvested Profits	$ (234)

[1] Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

[2] Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $520 million in third-quarter 2012 and $665 million in third-quarter 2011.

[3] Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2012 and $2.0 billion for the first nine months of 2011.

XML

Business Segments (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information By Segment

Business Segments

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America										Indonesia			Africa
																												Atlantic			Corporate,
																												Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro				Other											Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde				Mines			Total			Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	39	$	10		$	49		$	504			$	491		$	995		$	845	a	$	365	$	308	$	1,221	$	633		$	1		$	4,417
Intersegment	456		811			1,267			71				126			197			146			2		—		7		5			(1,624		)	—
Production and delivery	268		492			760			197				333			530			587			172		273		1,222		624			(1,576		)	2,592
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	31		57			88			39				35			74			54			42		18		2		11			9			298
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			31			2		3		—		4			67			110
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			78			79
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			(73		)	(73		)
Operating income (loss)	195		271			466			338				248			586			319			151		14		4		(1		)	(128		)	1,411
Interest expense, net	1		1			2			—				—			—			3			—		—		—		3			34			42
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—		—			—			(88		)	b	72			(16		)	111			28		—		—		—			92			215
Total assets at September 30, 2012	2,297		5,528			7,825			5,704				4,232			9,936			6,393			4,490		2,580		330		1,192			1,771			34,517
Capital expenditures	108		164			272			180				87			267			237			131		44		2		4			14			971
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	78	$	44		$	122		$	396			$	570		$	966		$	1,275	a	$	275	$	332	$	1,389	$	834		$	2		$	5,195
Intersegment	450		847			1,297			105				(18		)	87			87			1		—		7		3			(1,482		)	—
Production and delivery	252		412			664			196				282			478			503			142		260		1,390		826			(1,693		)	2,570
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	27		40			67			32				32			64			62			32		14		2		11			5			257
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			29			1		3		—		5			61			102
Exploration and research expenses	3		—			3			—				—			—			—			—		1		—		—			74			78
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	1		(15		)	(14		)	—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			52			38
Operating income (loss)	245		453			698			272				237			509			768			101		54		4		(5		)	21			2,150
Interest expense, net	—		1			1			—				—			—			7			2		—		—		4			64			78
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			154				48			202			333			20		—		—		—			253			808
Total assets at September 30, 2011	1,981		4,966			6,947			4,886				3,475			8,361			5,437			3,791		2,342		323		955			3,552			31,708
Capital expenditures	21		117			138			64				110			174			162			49		155		2		5			32			717

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $520 million in third-quarter2012 and $665 million in third-quarter2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America							Indonesia			Africa
																									Atlantic			Corporate,
																									Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro			Other									Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde			Mines		Total		Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	157	$	22		$	179		$	1,285		$	1,563	$	2,848	$	2,673	a	$	985	$	982	$	3,802	$	2,023		$	5		$	13,497
Intersegment	1,374		2,646			4,020			349			265		614		224			9		—		20		22			(4,909		)	—
Production and delivery	803		1,446			2,249			575			908		1,483		1,676			456		812		3,800		1,988			(4,822		)	7,642
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	95		180			275			102			106		208		153			114		47		7		31			21			856
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			2			3		5		91			5		9		—		14			184			311
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—			—		—		—			—		2		—		—			211			214
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		42			42			—			—		—		—			—		—		—		—			(24		)	18
Operating income (loss)	631		998			1,629			955			811		1,766		977			419		112		15		12			(474		)	4,456
Interest expense, net	1		3			4			5			—		5		6			—		—		—		9			124			148
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			131		b	244		375		387			79		—		—		—			287			1,128
Capital expenditures	204		365			569			365			294		659		624			428		197		5		11			25			2,518
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	371	$	154		$	525		$	1,662		$	1,803	$	3,465	$	4,112	a	$	959	$	1,119	$	4,291	$	2,241		$	6		$	16,718
Intersegment	1,274		2,540			3,814			303			135		438		544			4		—		19		11			(4,830		)	—
Production and delivery	719		1,204			1,923			569			761		1,330		1,547			422		786		4,292		2,274			(5,070		)	7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	85		111			196			102			85		187		179			98		44		6		30			16			756
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			3			2		5		100			6		11		—		18			180			323
Exploration and research expenses	4		—			4			—			—		—		—			—		3		—		—			187			194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	4		(15		)	(11		)	—			—		—		—			—		—		1		—			108			98
Operating income (loss)	832		1,392			2,224			1,291			1,090		2,381		2,830			437		275		11		(70		)	(245		)	7,843
Interest expense, net	2		4			6			1			—		1		9			5		—		—		12			217			250
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			476			353		829		1,234			100		—		—		—			535			2,698
Capital expenditures	69		273			342			120			311		431		463			89		317		7		29			71			1,749

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2012 and $2.0 billion for the first nine months of 2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

XML

General Information (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

General Information [Abstract]

General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this information should be read in conjunction with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.’s (FCX) consolidated financial statements and notes contained in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (2011 Annual Report). The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods reported. All such adjustments are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenues	$ 4,417	$ 5,195	$ 13,497	$ 16,718
Cost of sales:
Production and delivery	2,592	2,570	7,642	7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	298	257	856	756
Total cost of sales	2,890	2,827	8,498	8,260
Selling, general and administrative expenses	110	102	311	323
Exploration and research expenses	79	78	214	194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	(73)	38	18	98
Total costs and expenses	3,006	3,045	9,041	8,875
Operating income	1,411	2,150	4,456	7,843
Interest expense, net	(42)	(78)	(148)	(250)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	(168)	(68)
Other (expense) income, net	(15)	28	23	40
Income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	1,354	2,100	4,163	7,565
Provision for income taxes	(215)	(808)	(1,128)	(2,698)
Equity in affiliated companies' net earnings	1	2	0	14
Net income	1,140	1,294	3,035	4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316)	(241)	(737)	(961)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$ 824	$ 1,053	$ 2,298	$ 3,920
Net income per share attributable to FCX common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.87	$ 1.11	$ 2.42	$ 4.14
Diluted	$ 0.86	$ 1.10	$ 2.41	$ 4.10
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	949	948	949	947
Diluted	953	955	953	955
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$ 0.3125	$ 0.25	$ 0.9375	$ 1.25

XML

Business Segments (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segments

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

FCX has organized its operations into five primary divisions – North America copper mines, South America mining, Indonesia mining, Africa mining and Molybdenum operations. Notwithstanding this structure, FCX internally reports information on a mine-by-mine basis. Therefore, FCX concluded that its operating segments include individual mines or operations. Operating segments that meet certain thresholds are reportable segments.

Intersegment Sales. Intersegment sales between FCX’s operations are based on similar arms-length transactions with third parties at the time of the sale. Intersegment sales may not be reflective of the actual prices ultimately realized because of a variety of factors, including additional processing, timing of sales to unaffiliated customers and transportation premiums.

Allocations. FCX allocates certain operating costs, expenses and capital expenditures to its operating divisions and individual segments. However, not all costs and expenses applicable to a mine or operation are allocated. U.S. federal and state income taxes are recorded and managed at the corporate level, whereas foreign income taxes are recorded and managed at the applicable country. In addition, most exploration and research activities are managed at the corporate level, and those costs along with some selling, general and administrative costs are not allocated to the operating divisions or segments. Accordingly, the following segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of what the actual financial performance of each operating division or segment would be if it was an independent entity.

Business Segments

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America										Indonesia			Africa
																												Atlantic			Corporate,
																												Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro				Other											Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde				Mines			Total			Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	39	$	10		$	49		$	504			$	491		$	995		$	845	a	$	365	$	308	$	1,221	$	633		$	1		$	4,417
Intersegment	456		811			1,267			71				126			197			146			2		—		7		5			(1,624		)	—
Production and delivery	268		492			760			197				333			530			587			172		273		1,222		624			(1,576		)	2,592
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	31		57			88			39				35			74			54			42		18		2		11			9			298
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			31			2		3		—		4			67			110
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			78			79
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		—			—			—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			(73		)	(73		)
Operating income (loss)	195		271			466			338				248			586			319			151		14		4		(1		)	(128		)	1,411
Interest expense, net	1		1			2			—				—			—			3			—		—		—		3			34			42
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	—		—			—			(88		)	b	72			(16		)	111			28		—		—		—			92			215
Total assets at September 30, 2012	2,297		5,528			7,825			5,704				4,232			9,936			6,393			4,490		2,580		330		1,192			1,771			34,517
Capital expenditures	108		164			272			180				87			267			237			131		44		2		4			14			971
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	78	$	44		$	122		$	396			$	570		$	966		$	1,275	a	$	275	$	332	$	1,389	$	834		$	2		$	5,195
Intersegment	450		847			1,297			105				(18		)	87			87			1		—		7		3			(1,482		)	—
Production and delivery	252		412			664			196				282			478			503			142		260		1,390		826			(1,693		)	2,570
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	27		40			67			32				32			64			62			32		14		2		11			5			257
Selling, general and administrative expenses	—		1			1			1				1			2			29			1		3		—		5			61			102
Exploration and research expenses	3		—			3			—				—			—			—			—		1		—		—			74			78
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	1		(15		)	(14		)	—				—			—			—			—		—		—		—			52			38
Operating income (loss)	245		453			698			272				237			509			768			101		54		4		(5		)	21			2,150
Interest expense, net	—		1			1			—				—			—			7			2		—		—		4			64			78
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			154				48			202			333			20		—		—		—			253			808
Total assets at September 30, 2011	1,981		4,966			6,947			4,886				3,475			8,361			5,437			3,791		2,342		323		955			3,552			31,708
Capital expenditures	21		117			138			64				110			174			162			49		155		2		5			32			717

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $520 million in third-quarter2012 and $665 million in third-quarter2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

(In millions)	North America Copper Mines								South America							Indonesia			Africa
																									Atlantic			Corporate,
																									Copper			Other &
			Other						Cerro			Other									Molyb-		Rod &		Smelting			Elimi-			FCX
	Morenci		Mines			Total			Verde			Mines		Total		Grasberg			Tenke		denum		Refining		& Refining			nations			Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	157	$	22		$	179		$	1,285		$	1,563	$	2,848	$	2,673	a	$	985	$	982	$	3,802	$	2,023		$	5		$	13,497
Intersegment	1,374		2,646			4,020			349			265		614		224			9		—		20		22			(4,909		)	—
Production and delivery	803		1,446			2,249			575			908		1,483		1,676			456		812		3,800		1,988			(4,822		)	7,642
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	95		180			275			102			106		208		153			114		47		7		31			21			856
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			2			3		5		91			5		9		—		14			184			311
Exploration and research expenses	1		—			1			—			—		—		—			—		2		—		—			211			214
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	—		42			42			—			—		—		—			—		—		—		—			(24		)	18
Operating income (loss)	631		998			1,629			955			811		1,766		977			419		112		15		12			(474		)	4,456
Interest expense, net	1		3			4			5			—		5		6			—		—		—		9			124			148
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			131		b	244		375		387			79		—		—		—			287			1,128
Capital expenditures	204		365			569			365			294		659		624			428		197		5		11			25			2,518
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
Revenues:
Unaffiliated customers	$	371	$	154		$	525		$	1,662		$	1,803	$	3,465	$	4,112	a	$	959	$	1,119	$	4,291	$	2,241		$	6		$	16,718
Intersegment	1,274		2,540			3,814			303			135		438		544			4		—		19		11			(4,830		)	—
Production and delivery	719		1,204			1,923			569			761		1,330		1,547			422		786		4,292		2,274			(5,070		)	7,504
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	85		111			196			102			85		187		179			98		44		6		30			16			756
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1		2			3			3			2		5		100			6		11		—		18			180			323
Exploration and research expenses	4		—			4			—			—		—		—			—		3		—		—			187			194
Environmental obligations and shutdown costs	4		(15		)	(11		)	—			—		—		—			—		—		1		—			108			98
Operating income (loss)	832		1,392			2,224			1,291			1,090		2,381		2,830			437		275		11		(70		)	(245		)	7,843
Interest expense, net	2		4			6			1			—		1		9			5		—		—		12			217			250
Provision for income taxes	—		—			—			476			353		829		1,234			100		—		—		—			535			2,698
Capital expenditures	69		273			342			120			311		431		463			89		317		7		29			71			1,749

a. Included PT Freeport Indonesia’s sales to PT Smelting totaling $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2012 and $2.0 billion for the first nine months of 2011.

b. Included a net credit of $234 million for the reversal of a net deferred tax liability (refer to Note 4 for further discussion).

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Document and Entity Information Document (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FREEPORT MCMORAN COPPER & GOLD INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000831259
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 50.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		949,318,834
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012

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Earnings Per Share (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

Following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	September 30,							September 30,
	2012			2011				2012				2011
Net income	$	1,140		$	1,294			$	3,035			$	4,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(316		)	(241		)		(737		)		(961		)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$	824		$	1,053			$	2,298			$	3,920
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding	949			948				949				947
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of:
Dilutive stock options	3			6			a	3			a	7			a
Restricted stock units	1			1				1				1
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share	953			955				953				955
Diluted net income per share attributable to FCX   common stockholders	$	0.86		$	1.10			$	2.41			$	4.10

a. Excluded shares of common stock associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of FCX's common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method of approximately three million for the third-quarter 2011, one million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and two million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Net Income	$ 1,140	$ 1,294	$ 3,035	$ 4,881
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities arising during the period	1	(1)	0	(1)
Translation adjustments arising during the period	0	(2)	(1)	(1)
Defined benefit plans:
Amortization of unrecognized amounts included in net periodic benefit costs	7	5	22	11
Adjustment to deferred tax valuation allowance	0	0	5	0
Other comprehensive income	8	2	26	9
Total comprehensive income	1,148	1,296	3,061	4,890
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(315)	(241)	(737)	(961)
Total comprehensive income attributable to FCX common stockholders	$ 833	$ 1,055	$ 2,324	$ 3,929

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Financial Instruments (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FCX does not purchase, hold or sell derivative financial instruments unless there is an existing asset or obligation, or it anticipates a future activity that is likely to occur and will result in exposure to market risks, which FCX intends to offset or mitigate. FCX does not enter into any derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes, but has entered into derivative financial instruments in limited instances to achieve specific objectives. These objectives principally relate to managing risks associated with commodity price changes, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Commodity Contracts.  From time to time, FCX has entered into forward, futures and swap contracts to hedge the market risk associated with fluctuations in the prices of commodities it purchases and sells. Derivative financial instruments used by FCX to manage its risks do not contain credit risk-related contingent provisions. As of September 30, 2012, FCX had no price protection contracts relating to its mine production. A discussion of FCX’s derivative commodity contracts and programs follows.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments – Fair Value Hedges

Copper Futures and Swap Contracts. Some of FCX's U.S. copper rod customers request a fixed market price instead of the New York Mercantile Exchange (COMEX) average copper price in the month of shipment. FCX hedges this price exposure in a manner that allows it to receive the COMEX average price in the month of shipment while the customers pay the fixed price they requested. FCX accomplishes this by entering into copper futures and swap contracts and then liquidating the copper futures contracts and settling the copper swap contracts during the month of shipment, which generally results in FCX receiving the COMEX average copper price in the month of shipment. Hedging gains or losses from these copper futures and swap contracts are recorded in revenues. FCX did not have any significant gains or losses during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, resulting from hedge ineffectiveness. At September 30, 2012, FCX held copper futures and swap contracts that qualified for hedge accounting for 53 million pounds at an average contract price of $3.59 per pound, with maturities through December 2013.

A summary of gains (losses) recognized in revenues for derivative financial instruments related to commodity contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions, along with the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item (firm sales commitments) follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Copper futures and swap contracts:
Unrealized gains (losses):
Derivative financial instruments	$	13		$	(62	)	$	20		$	(72	)
Hedged item	(13		)	62			(20		)	72
Realized gains (losses):
Matured derivative financial instruments	1			(10		)	(3		)	(4		)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Embedded Derivatives. As described in Note 1 to FCX’s 2011 Annual Report under “Revenue Recognition,” certain FCX copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold sales contracts provide for provisional pricing primarily based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) price (copper) or the COMEX price (copper) and the London Bullion Market Association (London PM) price (gold) at the time of shipment as specified in the contract. Similarly, FCX purchases copper and molybdenum under contracts that provide for provisional pricing (molybdenum purchases are generally based on an average Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide price). FCX applies the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in accordance with derivatives and hedge accounting guidance to the host sales agreements since the contracts do not allow for net settlement and always result in physical delivery. Sales and purchases with a provisional sales price contain an embedded derivative (i.e., the price settlement mechanism that is settled after the time of delivery) that is required to be bifurcated from the host contract. The host contract is the sale or purchase of the metals contained in the concentrates or cathodes at the then-current LME or COMEX price (copper), London PM price (gold) or the average Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide price (molybdenum) as defined in the contract. Mark-to-market price fluctuations recorded through the settlement date are reflected in revenues for sales contracts and in cost of sales as production and delivery costs for purchase contracts. A summary of FCX’s embedded derivatives at September 30, 2012, follows:

	Open Positions	Average Price Per Unit				Maturities Through
		Contract		Market
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	557	$	3.49	$	3.72	March 2013
Gold (thousands of ounces)	67	1,698		1,781		December 2012
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	326	3.50		3.72		January 2013

Copper Forward Contracts. Atlantic Copper, FCX’s wholly owned smelting and refining unit in Spain, enters into forward copper contracts designed to hedge its copper price risk whenever its physical purchases and sales pricing periods do not match. These economic hedge transactions are intended to hedge against changes in copper prices, with the mark-to-market hedging gains or losses recorded in cost of sales. At September 30, 2012, Atlantic Copper held net forward copper purchase contracts for 31 million pounds at an average contract price of $3.71 per pound, with maturities through December 2012.

A summary of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contractsa	$	164	$	(657	)	$	188	$	(682	)
Copper forward contractsb	5		4			17		(2		)

a. Amounts recorded in revenues. 

b. Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

Unsettled Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the fair values of unsettled derivative financial instruments recorded on the consolidated balance sheets follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Copper futures and swap contracts:a
Asset positionb	$	11	$	3
Liability positionc	1		13
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase contracts:d
Asset position	$	131	$	72
Liability position	74		82
Copper forward contracts:
Asset positionb	1		2
Liability positionc	1		—

a. FCX received $1 million from brokers associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities) as of September 30, 2012, and FCX paid $31 million for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets) as of December 31, 2011. In addition, FCX held $3 million in margin funding from customers as of December 31, 2011, associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities).

b. Amounts recorded in other current assets. 

c. Amounts recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

d. Amounts recorded either as a net accounts receivable or a net accounts payable.

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts.  As a global company, FCX transacts business in many countries and in many currencies. Foreign currency transactions of FCX’s international subsidiaries increase its risks because exchange rates can change between the time agreements are made and the time foreign currency transactions are settled. FCX may hedge or protect its international subsidiaries’ foreign currency transactions from time to time by entering into forward exchange contracts to lock in or minimize the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates. FCX had no outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts at September 30, 2012.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts.  From time to time, FCX or its subsidiaries may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate changes and to achieve a desired proportion of fixed-rate versus floating-rate debt based on current and projected market conditions. FCX may enter into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap contracts to protect against changes in the fair value of the underlying fixed-rate debt that result from market interest rate changes and to take advantage of lower interest rates. FCX had no outstanding interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2012.

Credit Risk.  FCX is exposed to credit loss when financial institutions with which FCX has entered into derivative transactions (commodity, foreign exchange and interest rate swaps) are unable to pay. To minimize the risk of such losses, FCX uses counterparties that meet certain credit requirements and periodically reviews the creditworthiness of these counterparties. FCX does not anticipate that any of the counterparties it deals with will default on their obligations. As of September 30, 2012, FCX did not have any significant credit exposure associated with derivative transactions.

Other Financial Instruments.  Other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trust assets, investment securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable and long-term debt. Refer to Note 7 for the fair values of these financial instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, and Dividends Payable. The financial statement amount is a reasonable estimate of the fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments and generally negligible credit losses.

Trust Assets and Investment Securities. The financial statement amount represents the fair value of trust assets and investment securities except for the investment in McMoRan Exploration Co.'s (MMR) 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, which is recorded at cost.

Long-Term Debt. The financial statement amount represents cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

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Debt and Equity Transactions (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Debt and Equity Transactions [Abstract]

Debt and Equity Transactions

DEBT AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

In February 2012, FCX sold $500 million of 1.40% Senior Notes due 2015, $500 million of 2.15% Senior Notes due 2017 and $2.0 billion of 3.55% Senior Notes due 2022 for total net proceeds of $2.97 billion. Interest on the 1.40% Senior Notes is payable semiannually on February 13 and August 13, which commenced on August 13, 2012. Interest on the 2.15% Senior Notes and the 3.55% Senior Notes is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1, which commenced on September 1, 2012. These unsecured senior notes rank equally with FCX's other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

On March 14, 2012, FCX redeemed the remaining $3.0 billion of its outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2017, for which holders received 104.553 percent of the principal amount together with the accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, FCX recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $168 million ($149 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.16 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2012.

During the first quarter of 2011, FCX entered into a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced the revolving credit facilities that were scheduled to mature on March 19, 2012. FCX recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt totaling $7 million ($6 million to net income attributable to FCX common shareholders or $0.01 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011 associated with this transaction.

On April 1, 2011, FCX redeemed its remaining $1.1 billion of outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2015, for which holders received 104.125 percent of the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of this redemption, FCX recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt totaling $55 million ($49 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.05 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011.

During the second quarter of 2011, FCX purchased in the open market $35 million of its 9.5% Senior Notes due 2031 for $49 million, which resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $6 million ($5 million to net income attributable to FCX common stockholders or $0.01 per diluted share) for the first nine months of 2011.

Consolidated interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) totaled $56 million in third-quarter2012, $105 million in third-quarter2011, $210 million for the first nine months of 2012 and $325 million for the first nine months of 2011. Capitalized interest totaled $14 million in third-quarter2012, $27 million in third-quarter2011, $62 million for the first nine months of 2012 and $75 million for the first nine months of 2011.

On February 7, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the cash dividend on FCX's common stock from an annual rate of $1.00 per share to $1.25 per share. On September 26, 2012, FCX's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3125 per share, which was paid on November 1, 2012, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on October 15, 2012.

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Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies

The Indonesian tax authorities issued assessments for various audit exceptions on

PT Freeport Indonesia's income tax returns as follows (in millions):

Date of assessment	Tax return year	Tax assessment		Interest assessment		Total
October 2010	2005	$	106	$	52	$	158
November 2011	2006	22		10		32
March 2012	2007	91		44		135
Total		$	219	$	106	$	325

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Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Inventories, Including Long Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Abstract]

Components of inventories

The components of inventories follow (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Mining operations:a
Raw materials	$	2	$	1
Finished goodsb	820		769
Atlantic Copper, S.L.U. (Atlantic Copper):
Raw materials (concentrates)	339		260
Work-in-process	191		187
Finished goods	22		9
Total product inventories	1,374		1,226
Total materials and supplies, netc	1,465		1,354
Total inventories, excluding mill and leach stockpiles	$	2,839	$	2,580

a. FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories (i.e., mill and leach stockpiles), which are summarized below.

b. Primarily included molybdenum concentrates and copper concentrates, anodes, cathodes and rod.

c. Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $26 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

Summary of mill and leach stockpiles

A summary of mill and leach stockpiles follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Current:
Mill stockpiles	$	97	$	69
Leach stockpiles	1,498		1,220
Total current mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,595	$	1,289
Long-term:a
Mill stockpiles	$	595	$	535
Leach stockpiles	1,276		1,151
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$	1,871	$	1,686

a. Metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

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New Accounting Standards (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

New Accounting Standards [Abstract]

New Accounting Standards

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) in connection with guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures. This ASU clarifies the FASB's intent on current guidance, modifies and changes certain guidance and principles, and expands disclosures concerning Level 3 fair value measurements in the fair value hierarchy (including quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). In addition, this ASU requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position, but whose fair value is required to be disclosed. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. FCX adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2012.

In June 2011, FASB issued an ASU in connection with guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of this ASU is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. This ASU requires an entity to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income (includes net income) either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity, but does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income. This ASU became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Effective January 1, 2012, FCX adopted this ASU and presented total comprehensive income in a separate statement. Additionally, in December 2011, FASB deferred the effective date in this ASU for presenting reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income in both net income and other comprehensive income on the face of the financial statements.

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Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). FCX did not have any significant transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 for the third quarter of 2012.

The carrying value for certain FCX financial instruments (i.e., cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and dividends payable) approximate fair value because of their short-term nature and generally negligible credit losses. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of FCX’s other financial instruments follows (in millions):

	At September 30, 2012
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	3,053	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	453		436		—		436		—
Money market fundsa, c	47		47		47		—		—
Equity securitiesa, c	8		8		8		—		—
Total investment securities	508		491		55		436		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
U.S. core fixed income fund	49		49		—		49		—
Government mortgage-backed securities	41		41		—		41		—
Corporate bonds	30		30		—		30		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Asset-backed securities	13		13		—		13		—
Money market funds	6		6		6		—		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	161		161		6		155		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	131		131		—		131		—
Copper futures and swap contractse	11		11		10		1		—
Copper forward contractse	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative assets	143		143		11		132		—
Total assets			$	3,848	$	3,125	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	74	$	74	$	—	$	74	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Copper forward contractsf	1		1		1		—		—
Total derivative liabilities	76		76		2		74		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,523		3,632		—		3,632		—
Total liabilities			$	3,708	$	2	$	3,706	$	—

	At December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Fair Value
	Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents:a
Money market funds	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	4,007	$	—	$	—
Investment securities (current and long-term):
MMR investmentb	475		507		—		507		—
Equity securitiesa, c	9		9		9		—		—
Money market fundsa, c	2		2		2		—		—
Total investment securities	486		518		11		507		—
Trust assets (long-term):a, c
Government mortgage-backed securities	47		47		—		47		—
U.S. core fixed income fund	46		46		—		46		—
Government bonds and notes	21		21		—		21		—
Corporate bonds	19		19		—		19		—
Money market funds	9		9		9		—		—
Asset-backed securities	9		9		—		9		—
Municipal bonds	1		1		—		1		—
Total trust assets	152		152		9		143		—
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in an asset positiond	72		72		—		72		—
Copper futures and swaps contractse	3		3		3		—		—
Copper forward contractse	2		2		1		1		—
Total derivative assets	77		77		4		73		—
Total assets			$	4,754	$	4,031	$	723	$	—
Liabilities
Derivatives:a
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase
contracts in a liability positiond	$	82	$	82	$	—	$	82	$	—
Copper futures and swap contractsf	13		13		11		2		—
Total derivative liabilities	95		95		11		84		—
Long-term debt, including current portiong	3,537		3,797		—		3,797		—
Total liabilities			$	3,892	$	11	$	3,881	$	—

a. Recorded at fair value. 

b. Recorded at cost and included in other assets.

c. Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets. 

d. Embedded derivatives are recorded in accounts receivable and/or accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

e. Included in other current assets.

f. Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

g. Recorded at cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

Valuation Techniques

Money market funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

MMR's 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock is not actively traded; therefore, FCX's investment in the MMR 5¾% Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock is valued based on a pricing simulation model that uses the quoted market prices of MMR's publicly traded common stock as the most significant observable input and other inputs, such as expected volatility, expected settlement date, and risk-free interest rate. Therefore, this investment is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Fixed income securities (government and agency securities, U.S. core fixed income funds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities) are valued using a bid evaluation or a mid evaluation. A bid evaluation is an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. A mid evaluation is the average of the estimated price at which a

dealer would sell a security and the estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security. These evaluations are based on quoted prices, if available, or models that use observable inputs and, as such, are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and, as such, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional copper concentrate, copper cathode and gold purchases and sales have critical inputs of quoted monthly LME or COMEX copper forward prices and the London PM gold forward price at each reporting date based on the month of maturity; however, FCX's contracts themselves are not traded on an exchange. Likewise, FCX’s embedded derivatives on provisional molybdenum purchases have critical inputs based on the latest average weekly Metals Week Molybdenum Dealer Oxide prices; however, FCX's contracts themselves are not traded on an exchange. As a result, these derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

FCX’s derivative financial instruments for copper futures and swap contracts and copper forward contracts that are traded on the respective exchanges are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted monthly COMEX or LME forward prices at each reporting date based on the month of maturity (refer to Note 6 for further discussion). Certain of these contracts are traded on the over-the-counter market and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Long-term debt, including current portion, is not actively traded and is valued using prices obtained from a readily available pricing source and, as such, is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The techniques described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while FCX believes its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different techniques or assumptions to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. There have been no changes in the techniques used at September 30, 2012.

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Contingencies and Commitments (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments abd Contingencies

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

Environmental. FCX's mining, exploration, production and historical operating activities are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment. FCX reviews changes in facts and circumstances associated with its environmental and reclamation obligations at least quarterly. There have been no material changes to FCX's environmental and reclamation obligations since year-end 2011. However, updated cost assumptions, including increases and decreases to cost estimates, changes in the anticipated scope and timing of remediation activities and settlement of environmental matters may result in revisions to certain environmental obligations. As a result, FCX recorded adjustments to environmental obligations totaling net credits of $82 million in third-quarter2012 and $36 million during the first nine months of2012, and net charges of $31 million in third-quarter2011 and $35 million during the first nine months of2011.

Gilt Edge Mine Site. On July 12, 2010, FCX was notified by the U.S. Department of Justice, acting at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that it was preparing to file suit in federal court against two of its wholly owned subsidiaries (Cyprus Mines Corporation and Cyprus Amax Minerals Company) and several other parties to recover costs incurred or to be incurred by the U.S. in remediating hazardous substances at the Gilt Edge mine site in Lawrence County, South Dakota. In September 2011, FCX reached an agreement in principle to settle this matter for an amount that is not material to FCX and less than the amount included for this matter in FCX's aggregate environmental obligations. The consent decree was finalized and approved by the court on October 10, 2012.

Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs). During third-quarter 2012, Cerro Verde updated its closure plan and increased its ARO by $77 million to reflect revised cost estimates and accelerated timing of certain closure activities.

Litigation. There have been no material updates to previously reported legal proceedings included in Note 13 of FCX's 2011 Annual Report and in Note 8 of FCX's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012.

Other Contingencies. The Indonesian tax authorities issued assessments for various audit exceptions on

PT Freeport Indonesia's income tax returns as follows (in millions):

Date of assessment	Tax return year	Tax assessment		Interest assessment		Total
October 2010	2005	$	106	$	52	$	158
November 2011	2006	22		10		32
March 2012	2007	91		44		135
Total		$	219	$	106	$	325

PT Freeport Indonesia has filed objections to the assessments. During first-quarter 2012, PT Freeport Indonesia's objections to the assessments related to 2005 were substantially all rejected by the Indonesian tax authorities and, in May 2012, appeals were filed with the Indonesian Tax Court. As of September 30, 2012, PT Freeport Indonesia has paid $158 million (of which $124 million is included in long-term receivables) for the disputed tax assessments related to 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Mining Contracts. Effective March 26, 2012, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government issued a Presidential Decree approving the modifications to TFM's bylaws. As a result, FCX's effective ownership interest in TFM was reduced from 57.75 percent to 56.0 percent and $50 million of TFM's intercompany loans payable to FMC were converted to equity.

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Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

FCX evaluated events after September 30, 2012, and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these consolidated financial statements.

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Fair Value Measurement (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Money market funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Cost-method investments [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Equity securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government mortgage-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] U.S. core fixed income funds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Government bonds and notes [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Municipal bonds [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchases contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper futures and swap contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]		Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]		Dec. 31, 2011 Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Copper forward contracts [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents																																																																								$ 3,053	[1]	$ 4,007	[1]	$ 3,053	[1]	$ 4,007	[1]	$ 3,053	[1]	$ 4,007	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 0	[1]
Investment securities (current and long-term):
McMoRan Exploration Co. investment																																																																																												453	[2]	475	[2]	436	[2]	507	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	436	[2]	507	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Available-for-sale securities		508		486		491		518		55		11		436		507		0		0																																																				47	[1],[3]	2	[1],[3]	47	[1],[3]	2	[1],[3]	47	[1],[3]	2	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]																					8	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	8	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	8	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Trust assets (long-term):
Trust assets		161	[1],[3]	152	[1],[3]	161	[1],[3]	152	[1],[3]	6	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	155	[1],[3]	143	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]																																																			6	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	6	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	6	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]																																									41	[1],[3]	47	[1],[3]	41	[1],[3]	47	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	41	[1],[3]	47	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	49	[1],[3]	46	[1],[3]	49	[1],[3]	46	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	49	[1],[3]	46	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	21	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	30	[1],[3]	19	[1],[3]	30	[1],[3]	19	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	30	[1],[3]	19	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	13	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	13	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	13	[1],[3]	9	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	1	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]	0	[1],[3]
Derivatives:
Derivative assets		143	[1]	77	[1]	143	[1]	77	[1]	11	[1]	4	[1]	132	[1]	73	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]																																																																																																																																																																																																																																							131	[1],[4]	72	[1],[4]	131	[1],[4]	72	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	131	[1],[4]	72	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	11	[1],[5]	3	[1],[5]	11	[1],[5]	3	[1],[5]	10	[1],[5]	3	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	2	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	2	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	1	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]
Total assets						3,848		4,754		3,125		4,031		723		723		0		0
Derivatives:
Derivative liabilities		76	[1]	95	[1]	76	[1]	95	[1]	2	[1]	11	[1]	74	[1]	84	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	74	[1],[4]	82	[1],[4]	74	[1],[4]	82	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	74	[1],[4]	82	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]	1	[1],[6]	13	[1],[6]	1	[1],[6]	13	[1],[6]	1	[1],[6]	11	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]	2	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]	1	[1],[6]	1	[1],[6]	1	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]
Long-term debt, including current portion		3,523	[7]	3,537	[7]	3,632	[7]	3,797	[7]	0	[7]	0	[7]	3,632	[7]	3,797	[7]	0	[7]	0	[7]
Total liabilities						$ 3,708		$ 3,892		$ 2		$ 11		$ 3,706		$ 3,881		$ 0		$ 0
Dividend Rate Of Investee Preferred Stock	5.75%

[1] Recorded at fair value.

[2] Recorded at cost and included in other assets.

[3] Current portion included in other current assets and long-term portion included in other assets.

[4] Embedded derivatives are recorded in accounts receivable and/or accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

[5] Included in other current assets.

[6] Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

[7] Recorded at cost except for long-term debt acquired in the FMC acquisition, which was recorded at fair value at the acquisition date.

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Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Unrealized gains (losses) for derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions and for the related hedged item

A summary of gains (losses) recognized in revenues for derivative financial instruments related to commodity contracts that are designated and qualify as fair value hedge transactions, along with the unrealized gains (losses) on the related hedged item (firm sales commitments) follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Copper futures and swap contracts:
Unrealized gains (losses):
Derivative financial instruments	$	13		$	(62	)	$	20		$	(72	)
Hedged item	(13		)	62			(20		)	72
Realized gains (losses):
Matured derivative financial instruments	1			(10		)	(3		)	(4		)

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

A summary of FCX’s embedded derivatives at September 30, 2012, follows:

	Open Positions	Average Price Per Unit				Maturities Through
		Contract		Market
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	557	$	3.49	$	3.72	March 2013
Gold (thousands of ounces)	67	1,698		1,781		December 2012
Embedded derivatives in provisional purchase contracts:
Copper (millions of pounds)	326	3.50		3.72		January 2013

Realized and unrealized gains (losses) for derivative financial instruments that do not qualify as hedge transactions

A summary of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) recognized in income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings for commodity contracts that do not qualify as hedge transactions, including embedded derivatives, follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales contractsa	$	164	$	(657	)	$	188	$	(682	)
Copper forward contractsb	5		4			17		(2		)

a. Amounts recorded in revenues. 

b. Amounts recorded in cost of sales as production and delivery costs.

Fair Values of Unsettled Derivative Financial Instruments

A summary of the fair values of unsettled derivative financial instruments recorded on the consolidated balance sheets follows (in millions):

	September 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Copper futures and swap contracts:a
Asset positionb	$	11	$	3
Liability positionc	1		13
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Commodity contracts:
Embedded derivatives in provisional sales/purchase contracts:d
Asset position	$	131	$	72
Liability position	74		82
Copper forward contracts:
Asset positionb	1		2
Liability positionc	1		—

a. FCX received $1 million from brokers associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities) as of September 30, 2012, and FCX paid $31 million for margin requirements (recorded in other current assets) as of December 31, 2011. In addition, FCX held $3 million in margin funding from customers as of December 31, 2011, associated with margin requirements (recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities).

b. Amounts recorded in other current assets. 

c. Amounts recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. 

d. Amounts recorded either as a net accounts receivable or a net accounts payable.

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Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Total product inventories	$ 1,374		$ 1,226
Total materials and supplies, net	1,465	[1]	1,354	[1]
Total inventories, excluding mill and leach stockpiles	2,839		2,580
Inventory obsolescence reserves	26		26
Mining Operations [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	2	[2]	1	[2]
Finished goods	820	[2],[3]	769	[2],[3]
Atlantic Copper, S.L.U. (Atlantic Copper) [Member]
Components of Inventories [Line Items]
Raw materials	339		260
Work-in-process	191		187
Finished goods	$ 22		$ 9

[1] Materials and supplies inventory was net of obsolescence reserves totaling $26 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

[2] FCX's mining operations also have work-in-process inventories (i.e., mill and leach stockpiles), which are summarized below.

[3] Primarily included molybdenum concentrates and copper concentrates, anodes, cathodes and rod.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,035	$ 4,881
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	856	756
Stock-based compensation	77	92
Pension plans contributions	(114)	(29)
Charges for reclamation and environmental obligations, including accretion	64	144
Payments for reclamation and environmental obligations	(148)	(131)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	168	68
Deferred income taxes	223	419
Increase in long-term mill and leach stockpiles	(184)	(174)
Other, net	71	(26)
(Increases) decreases in working capital and other tax payments:
Accounts receivable	(603)	1,034
Inventories	(581)	(266)
Other current assets	(33)	(152)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	78	(101)
Accrued income taxes and other tax payments	(400)	(641)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,509	5,874
Capital expenditures:
North America copper mines	(569)	(342)
South America	(659)	(431)
Indonesia	(624)	(463)
Africa	(428)	(89)
Molybdenum	(197)	(317)
Other	(41)	(107)
Other, net	(19)	24
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,537)	(1,725)
Cash flow from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	3,023	37
Repayments of debt	(3,179)	(1,303)
Cash dividends paid:
Common stock	(832)	(1,186)
Noncontrolling interests	(76)	(350)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	15	27
Net (payments for) proceeds from stock-based awards	(3)	2
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards	7	23
Other, net	(22)	(9)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,067)	(2,759)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,095)	1,390
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	4,822	3,738
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,727	$ 5,128

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Income Taxes (Unaudited)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

Geographic sources of FCX's provision for income taxes follow (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
United States operations	$	98		$	163	$	291		$	421
International operations	117		a	645		837		a	2,277
Total	$	215		$	808	$	1,128		$	2,698

a. Included a net tax benefit of $234 million associated with an adjustment to Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability.

FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 27 percent (33 percent excluding Cerro Verde's $234 million net deferred tax liability adjustment) for the first nine months of 2012 and 36 percent for the first nine months of 2011. Variations in the relative proportions of jurisdictional income can result in fluctuations to FCX’s consolidated effective income tax rate.

With the exception of Tenke Fungurume S.A.R.L. (TFM), FCX has not elected to permanently reinvest earnings from its foreign subsidiaries and has recorded deferred tax liabilities for foreign earnings that are available to be repatriated to the U.S. Cerro Verde previously recorded deferred Peruvian income tax liabilities for income taxes that would become payable if the reinvested profits used to fund the initial Cerro Verde sulfide expansion are distributed prior to the expiration of Cerro Verde's current stability agreement on December 31, 2013. Reinvested profits are not expected to be distributed prior to December 31, 2013. Accordingly, a net deferred income tax liability of $234 million ($123 million net of noncontrolling interests) was reversed and recognized as an income tax benefit in third-quarter 2012.

In July 2012, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde S.A.A. (Cerro Verde) signed a new 15-year mining stability agreement with the Peruvian government, which is expected to become effective January 1, 2014, after the current mining stability agreement expires on December 31, 2013. In connection with the new mining stability agreement, Cerro Verde's income tax rate will increase from 30 percent to 32 percent. As a result of the change in the income tax rate, FCX recognized additional deferred tax expense of $26 million ($23 million net of noncontrolling interests) in third-quarter 2012, which relates primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Freeport-McMoRan Corporation (FMC).

In September 2011, Peru enacted a new mining tax and royalty regime and also created a special mining burden that companies with stability agreements could elect to pay. Cerro Verde elected to pay this special mining burden during the remaining term of its stability agreement. As a result, Cerro Verde recognized additional current and deferred tax expense of $57 million ($50 million net of noncontrolling interests) in third-quarter 2011. The deferred portion of this accrual related primarily to the assets recorded in connection with the 2007 acquisition of FMC.

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Inventories, Including Long-Term Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Unaudited) Mill and Leach Stockpiles (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Line Items]
Current mill and leach stockpiles	$ 1,595		$ 1,289
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	1,871		1,686
Current [Member]
Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Line Items]
Mill Stockpiles	97		69
Leach stockpiles	1,498		1,220
Current mill and leach stockpiles	1,595		1,289
Long-Term [Member]
Mill and Leach Stockpiles [Line Items]
Mill Stockpiles	595	[1]	535	[1]
Leach stockpiles	1,276	[1]	1,151	[1]
Total long-term mill and leach stockpiles	$ 1,871	[1]	$ 1,686	[1]

[1] Metals in stockpiles not expected to be recovered within the next 12 months.

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Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Geographic Sources of Provision for Income Taxes

Geographic sources of FCX's provision for income taxes follow (in millions):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2012			2011		2012			2011
United States operations	$	98		$	163	$	291		$	421
International operations	117		a	645		837		a	2,277
Total	$	215		$	808	$	1,128		$	2,698

a. Included a net tax benefit of $234 million associated with an adjustment to Cerro Verde's deferred income tax liability.