News Release Details

FCX Reports First-Quarter 2011 Results

April 20, 2011

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE: FCX):

  • Net income attributable to common stock for first-quarter 2011 was $1.5 billion, $1.57 per share, compared to net income of $897 million, $1.00 per share, for first-quarter 2010.
  • Consolidated sales from mines for first-quarter 2011 totaled 926 million pounds of copper, 480 thousand ounces of gold and 20 million pounds of molybdenum, compared to 960 million pounds of copper, 478 thousand ounces of gold and 17 million pounds of molybdenum for first-quarter 2010.
  • Consolidated sales from mines for the year 2011 are expected to approximate 3.9 billion pounds of copper, 1.6 million ounces of gold and 73 million pounds of molybdenum, including 965 million pounds of copper, 365 thousand ounces of gold and 17 million pounds of molybdenum for second-quarter 2011.
  • Consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) averaged $0.79 per pound of copper for first-quarter 2011, compared to $0.82 per pound for first-quarter 2010. Assuming average prices of $1,400 per ounce for gold and $15 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2011, consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are estimated to average approximately $1.04 per pound of copper for the year 2011.
  • Operating cash flows totaled $2.4 billion for first-quarter 2011. Using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates and assuming average prices of $4.25 per pound for copper, $1,400 per ounce for gold and $15 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2011, operating cash flows for the year 2011 are estimated to approximate $8.3 billion.
  • Capital expenditures totaled $505 million for first-quarter 2011. FCX currently expects capital expenditures to approximate $2.5 billion for the year 2011, including $1.2 billion for sustaining capital and $1.3 billion for major projects.
  • At March 31, 2011, total debt approximated $4.8 billion. After taking into account the April 1, 2011, redemption of $1.1 billion in 8.25% Senior Notes due 2015, total debt approximated $3.7 billion and consolidated cash approximated $4.1 billion.
  • A two-for-one stock split of FCX common stock was effected on February 1, 2011. All references to earnings or losses per share have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split.
  • FCX’s Board of Directors declared a $0.50 per share supplemental common stock dividend to be paid on June 1, 2011, to shareholders of record as of May 15, 2011.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE: FCX) reported first-quarter 2011 net income attributable to common stock of $1.5 billion, $1.57 per share, compared to net income of $897 million, $1.00 per share, for the first quarter of 2010.

James R. Moffett, Chairman of the Board, and Richard C. Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our strong first-quarter results reflect solid execution by our global operating teams and continuation of favorable pricing for our principal commodities – copper, gold and molybdenum. We are focused on continuing the successful execution of our operating plans and on developing our highly attractive projects for future growth. We are well placed for future success with an attractive resource position, strong technical and project management capabilities and the financial resources required for investment. We are also pleased to have significant cash flows to enable investment in growth projects while providing increased cash returns to shareholders.”


SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA






Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010
Financial Data (in millions, except per share amounts)







Revenuesa

$ 5,709


$ 4,363
Operating income

$ 2,936


$ 2,048
Net income attributable to common stock

$ 1,499 b


$ 897 b
Diluted net income per share attributable to common stock

$ 1.57 b


$ 1.00 b,c
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding


955



947 c
Operating cash flows

$ 2,359 d


$ 1,818 d
Capital expenditures

$ 505


$ 231









Mining Operating Data







Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)







Production


950



929
Sales, excluding purchased metal


926



960
Average realized price per pound

$ 4.31


$ 3.42
Site production and delivery unit costs per pounde

$ 1.61


$ 1.35
Unit net cash costs per pounde

$ 0.79


$ 0.82
Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)







Production


466



449
Sales, excluding purchased metal


480



478
Average realized price per ounce

$ 1,399


$ 1,110
Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)







Production


20



17
Sales, excluding purchased metal


20



17
Average realized price per pound

$ 18.10


$ 15.09

a.


Includes impacts of adjustments to provisionally priced concentrate and cathode sales recognized in prior years (see discussion on page 10).

b.


Includes net losses on early extinguishment of debt totaling $6 million, $0.01 per share, in first-quarter 2011 and $23 million, $0.02 per share, in first-quarter 2010.

c.


Adjusted to reflect the February 1, 2011, two-for-one stock split.

d.


Includes working capital sources of $114 million in first-quarter 2011 and $280 million in first-quarter 2010.

e.


Reflects per pound weighted-average site production and delivery unit costs and unit net cash costs, net of by-product credits, for all copper mines. For reconciliations of unit costs per pound by operating division to production and delivery costs reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




OPERATIONS

Consolidated. First-quarter 2011 consolidated copper sales of 926 million pounds were higher than the January 2011 estimate of 840 million pounds but lower than first-quarter 2010 copper sales of 960 million pounds. The variance to the January 2011 estimate primarily reflects favorable production performance in Indonesia, because of access to high-grade ore previously expected to be mined in future periods, and improved production in North and South America. The variance to the 2010 period primarily reflects lower sales from Indonesia and North America because of timing of shipments.

First-quarter 2011 consolidated gold sales of 480 thousand ounces were higher than the January 2011 estimate of 325 thousand ounces, primarily because of mining higher grade ore in Indonesia previously expected in future periods, and approximated first-quarter 2010 gold sales of 478 thousand ounces.

First-quarter 2011 consolidated molybdenum sales of 20 million pounds were higher than the January 2011 estimate and first-quarter 2010 sales of 17 million pounds, primarily reflecting improved demand in the chemical and metallurgical sectors.

Consolidated sales for 2011 are expected to approximate 3.9 billion pounds of copper, 1.6 million ounces of gold and 73 million pounds of molybdenum. Annual sales estimates are higher than the January 2011 estimates of 3.85 billion pounds of copper and 1.4 million ounces of gold, primarily because of mine plan improvements in Indonesia.

As anticipated, consolidated unit site production and delivery costs of $1.61 per pound of copper in the first quarter of 2011 were higher than first-quarter 2010 unit costs of $1.35 per pound of copper as a result of increased input costs, including materials, labor and energy. Average unit net cash costs of $0.79 per pound of copper in the first quarter of 2011 were lower than $0.82 per pound of copper in the prior year quarter, primarily because of higher gold and molybdenum by-product credits in the 2011 period.

Assuming average prices of $1,400 per ounce for gold and $15 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of 2011 and using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates, consolidated unit net cash costs (net of by-product credits) are expected to average approximately $1.04 per pound of copper for the year 2011. Unit net cash costs are lower than previous estimates because of higher volumes in Indonesia. Quarterly unit net cash costs will vary with fluctuations in sales volumes. Unit net cash costs for 2011 would change by approximately $0.02 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold for the remainder of 2011 and by approximately $0.02 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum for the remainder of 2011.

North America Copper Mines. FCX operates seven open-pit copper mines in North America (Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona and Tyrone and Chino in New Mexico). Molybdenum is also produced by Sierrita, Bagdad and Morenci. All of the North America mining operations are wholly owned, except for Morenci. FCX records its 85 percent joint venture interest in Morenci using the proportionate consolidation method.

Operating and Development Activities. At Morenci, FCX reached its targeted mining rate of 635,000 metric tons of ore per day in March 2011 after commencing a staged ramp up from the 2009 mining rate of 450,000 metric tons per day. In addition, FCX restarted the Morenci mill in March 2010 to process available sulfide material currently being mined. Mill throughput averaged 48,300 metric tons of ore per day during the first quarter of 2011 and is expected to increase to approximately 50,000 metric tons per day by the second half of 2011. The increased mining and milling activities are expected to enable copper production to increase by approximately 125 million pounds per year beginning in 2011. During the first quarter of 2011, FCX commenced a feasibility study to add additional mining and milling capacity at Morenci to process additional sulfide ores identified through positive exploratory drilling in recent years. The project, which would require significant investment, would increase milling rates to approximately 115,000 metric tons of ore per day and target 150 to 200 million pounds of incremental annual copper production within a two to three year timeframe. The study is expected to be completed in the second half of 2011.

FCX has initiated limited mining activities at the Miami mine in Arizona to improve efficiencies of ongoing reclamation projects associated with historical mining operations at the site. During an approximate five-year mine life, FCX expects to ramp up production at Miami to approximately 100 million pounds of copper per year by 2012.

FCX has initiated the restart of mining and milling activities at the Chino mine in New Mexico, which were suspended in late 2008. The ramp-up of mining and milling activities will significantly increase production at Chino, which is currently producing small amounts of copper from existing leach stockpiles. The start-up is on schedule, with planned mining and milling rates expected to be achieved by the end of 2013. Incremental annual production is expected to be 100 million pounds in 2012 and 2013 and 200 million pounds in 2014. Costs for the project associated with equipment and mill refurbishment are expected to approximate $150 million.

FCX has completed construction of the $150 million sulphur burner at the Safford mine, which will provide a more cost effective source of sulphuric acid used in solution extraction/electrowinning (SX/EW) operations and lower transportation costs.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the North America copper mines for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010.





Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010







Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)





Production


282



264
Sales, excluding purchased metal


276



291
Average realized price per pound

$ 4.40


$ 3.32







Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)





Productiona


7



6







Unit net cash costs per pound of copper:





Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$ 1.75


$ 1.31
By-product credits, primarily molybdenum


(0.49)



(0.26)
Treatment charges


0.11



0.08
Unit net cash costsb

$ 1.37


$ 1.13

a.


Sales of molybdenum produced at the North America copper mines are reflected in the molybdenum division discussion on page 9.

b.


For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




First-quarter 2011 consolidated copper sales in North America of 276 million pounds were lower than first-quarter 2010 sales because of timing of shipments. As anticipated, production was higher in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the 2010 period, primarily reflecting increased mining and milling activities at Morenci.

For the year 2011, FCX expects sales from North America copper mines to approximate 1.2 billion pounds of copper, compared to 1.1 billion pounds of copper for 2010. The restart of Miami and Chino and potential expansion of Morenci are expected to further increase production in future periods.

As anticipated, North America unit site production and delivery costs were higher in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of increased mining and milling activities and higher input costs. First-quarter 2011 unit net cash costs benefited from higher molybdenum by-product credits.

Based on current operating plans, assuming an average molybdenum price of $15 per pound for the remainder of 2011 and using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates, FCX estimates that average unit net cash costs, including molybdenum credits, for its North America copper mines would approximate $1.47 per pound of copper for the year 2011. Unit net cash costs for 2011 would change by approximately $0.04 per pound for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum for the remainder of 2011.

South America Mining. FCX operates four copper mines in South America – Cerro Verde in Peru and Candelaria, Ojos del Salado and El Abra in Chile. FCX owns a 53.56 percent interest in Cerro Verde, an open-pit mine currently producing both electrowon copper cathodes and copper concentrates. FCX owns 80 percent of the Candelaria and Ojos del Salado mining complexes, which include the Candelaria open-pit and underground mines and the Ojos del Salado underground mines. These mines use common processing facilities to produce copper concentrates. FCX owns a 51 percent interest in El Abra, an open-pit mine producing electrowon copper cathodes. All operations in South America are consolidated in FCX’s financial statements.

Operating and Development Activities. During the first quarter of 2011, El Abra commenced production from its newly commissioned stacking and leaching facilities to transition from oxide to sulfide ores. Production from the sulfide ore, which is projected to reach design levels in the second half of 2011, would approximate 300 million pounds of copper per year, substantially replacing the currently depleting oxide copper production. The aggregate capital investment for this project is expected to total $725 million through 2015, including $565 million for the initial phase of the project expected to be completed in 2011. In addition, FCX is engaged in pre-feasibility studies for a potential large-scale milling operation to process additional sulfide material and to achieve higher recoveries.

FCX is progressing its evaluation of a large-scale concentrator expansion at Cerro Verde. Significant reserve additions in recent years have provided opportunities to expand significantly the existing facility’s capacity. A range of expansion options have been considered, and FCX is targeting a project to increase mill throughput from 120,000 metric tons of ore per day to 360,000 metric tons per day, making Cerro Verde one of the world’s largest concentrating operations. Following completion of the feasibility study in the second quarter of 2011, FCX expects to file an environmental impact assessment in the second half of 2011.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the South America mining operations for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010.








Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010







Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)





Production


317



322
Sales


312



307
Average realized price per pound

$ 4.31


$ 3.46







Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)





Production


24



19
Sales


24



19
Average realized price per ounce

$ 1,394


$ 1,113







Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)





Productiona


3



2







Unit net cash costs per pound of copper:





Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$ 1.30


$ 1.20
Molybdenum and gold credits


(0.36)



(0.17)
Treatment charges


0.19



0.15
Unit net cash costsb

$ 1.13


$ 1.18

a.


Sales of molybdenum produced at Cerro Verde are reflected in the molybdenum division discussion on page 9.

b.


For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




Copper sales from South America mining operations of 312 million pounds in the first quarter of 2011 were slightly higher than first-quarter 2010 sales of 307 million pounds, primarily reflecting higher ore grades at Candelaria and increased mill throughput at Cerro Verde, partly offset by anticipated lower mining rates at El Abra as it transitions from oxide to sulfide ores.

For the year 2011, FCX expects South America sales of 1.3 billion pounds of copper and 100 thousand ounces of gold, similar to 2010 sales.

As anticipated, South America unit site production and delivery costs for the first quarter of 2011 were higher than the year-ago period, principally reflecting higher input costs, including materials, energy and currency exchange rates, partly offset by higher volumes. Average unit net cash costs of $1.13 per pound in the first quarter of 2011 were lower than $1.18 per pound for the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting higher molybdenum and gold credits.

Using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates and assuming average prices of $1,400 per ounce of gold and $15 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2011, FCX estimates that average unit net cash costs (net of molybdenum and gold credits) for its South America mining operations would approximate $1.19 per pound of copper for the year 2011.

Indonesia Mining. Through its 90.64 percent owned and wholly consolidated subsidiary PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI), FCX operates the world’s largest copper and gold mine in terms of reserves at its Grasberg operations in Papua, Indonesia.

Operating and Development Activities. FCX has several projects in process 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 to approximately 240,000 metric tons of ore per day following the currently anticipated transition from the Grasberg open pit in 2016.

The Deep Ore Zone (DOZ) mine, one of the world’s largest underground mines, has been expanded to 80,000 metric tons of ore per day; and a feasibility study for the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ), which is expected to start up as the DOZ depletes, has been completed. The high-grade Big Gossan mine, which began producing in the fourth quarter of 2010, is expected to reach full rates of 7,000 metric tons of ore per day by the end of 2012. Substantial progress has been made in developing infrastructure and underground workings that will enable access to the underground ore bodies. Development of the terminal infrastructure and mine access for the Grasberg Block Cave and DMLZ ore bodies is in progress. Over the next five years, estimated aggregate capital spending is expected to average approximately $600 million ($470 million net to PT-FI) per year on underground development activities.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the Indonesia mining operations for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010.





Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010







Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)





Production


284



279
Sales


278



296
Average realized price per pound

$ 4.26


$ 3.51







Gold (thousands of recoverable ounces)





Production


441



429
Sales


454



458
Average realized price per ounce

$ 1,400


$ 1,110










Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010
Unit net cash (credits) costs per pound of copper:





Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$ 1.84


$ 1.54
Gold and silver credits


(2.34)



(1.79)
Treatment charges


0.18



0.23
Royalties


0.16



0.12
Unit net cash (credits) costsa

$ (0.16)


$ 0.10

a.


For a reconciliation of unit net cash (credits) costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




Indonesia reported slightly lower copper sales in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of timing of shipments. Gold sales in the first quarter of 2011 approximated first-quarter 2010 sales. First-quarter 2011 copper and gold sales were significantly above the January 2011 estimates because of improved pit slope conditions, which enabled access to ore previously expected to be mined in future periods. At the Grasberg mine, the sequencing of mining areas with varying ore grades causes fluctuations in the timing of ore production resulting in fluctuations in quarterly and annual sales of copper and gold.

Because of recent revisions to its Grasberg mine plans, FCX expects 2011 sales to approximate 1.1 billion pounds of copper and 1.5 million ounces of gold, which reflect increases of approximately 40 million pounds and approximately 130 thousand ounces compared to the January 2011 estimates.

Indonesia unit site production and delivery costs were higher in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of higher maintenance and other input costs. Unit net cash costs averaged a net credit of $0.16 per pound in the first quarter of 2011, compared to a net cost of $0.10 per pound for the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting higher gold credits.

Assuming an average gold price of $1,400 per ounce for the remainder of 2011 and using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates, FCX expects PT-FI’s average unit net cash costs, including gold and silver credits, to approximate $0.38 per pound of copper for the year 2011. Unit net cash costs for 2011 would change by approximately $0.06 per pound for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold for the remainder of 2011. Quarterly unit net cash costs will vary significantly with variations in quarterly metal sales volumes.

Africa Mining. FCX holds an effective 57.75 percent interest in the Tenke Fungurume copper and cobalt mining concessions in the Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is the operator of the project, which is consolidated in FCX’s financial statements. 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.

In October 2010, the government of the DRC announced the conclusion of the review of Tenke Fungurume Mining’s (TFM) contracts, and confirmed that TFM’s existing mining contracts are in good standing and acknowledged the rights and benefits granted under those contracts. In connection with the review, TFM made several commitments that have been reflected in amendments to its mining contracts, which were signed by the parties in December 2010. In March 2011, the amendments were approved by a ministerial council; and a Presidential Decree, signed by the President and Prime Minister of the DRC, was issued in April 2011. After giving effect to the modifications that will be made to TFM’s bylaws to reflect the agreement of the parties, FCX’s effective ownership percentage in the project will be 56.0 percent, compared to its current ownership interest of 57.75 percent.

Operating and Development Activities. The milling facilities, which were designed to produce at a capacity rate of 8,000 metric tons of ore per day, continue to perform above capacity. During the first quarter of 2011, mill throughput averaged 10,800 metric tons of ore per day. Tenke Fungurume has procured additional mining equipment, which is enabling additional high-grade material to be mined and processed in 2011. Based on these enhancements to the mine plan and an expected mill throughput rate of 10,000 metric tons of ore per day, FCX estimates average annual copper production will approximate 290 million pounds.

FCX continues to engage in drilling activities, exploration analyses and metallurgical testing to evaluate the potential of the highly prospective minerals district at Tenke Fungurume. These analyses are being incorporated in future plans to evaluate expansion opportunities. FCX is planning a second phase of the project, which would include optimizing the current plant and increasing capacity. As part of the second phase, FCX is completing studies to expand the mill rate to 14,000 metric tons of ore per day and construct related processing facilities that would target the addition of approximately 150 million pounds of copper per year in an approximate two-year timeframe. FCX expects production volumes from the project to expand significantly over time.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the Africa mining operations for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010.





Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010







Copper (millions of recoverable pounds)





Production


67



64
Sales


60



66
Average realized price per pounda

$ 4.19


$ 3.26







Cobalt (millions of contained pounds)





Production


6



5
Sales


6



3
Average realized price per pound

$ 10.99


$ 10.94







Unit net cash costs per pound of copper:





Site production and delivery, excluding adjustments

$ 1.51


$ 1.37
Cobalt creditsb


(0.75)



(0.40)
Royalties


0.10



0.07
Unit net cash costsc

$ 0.86


$ 1.04

a.


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

b.


Net of cobalt downstream processing and freight costs.

c.


For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




Tenke Fungurume reported lower copper sales in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of timing of shipments.

FCX expects Tenke Fungurume sales of approximately 285 million pounds of copper and over 20 million pounds of cobalt for the year 2011, compared to 262 million pounds of copper and 20 million pounds of cobalt for 2010.

Tenke Fungurume’s unit site production and delivery costs for the first quarter of 2011 were higher than the first quarter of 2010, principally reflecting increased mining and milling activities and higher input costs. Average unit net cash costs of $0.86 per pound in the first quarter of 2011 were lower than $1.04 per pound for the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting higher cobalt credits.

Assuming an average cobalt price of $14 per pound for the remainder of 2011 and using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates, average unit net cash costs are expected to approximate $0.93 per pound of copper for the year 2011. Each $2 per pound change in the average price of cobalt for the remainder of 2011 would impact unit net cash costs by approximately $0.06 per pound of copper.

Molybdenum. FCX is the world’s largest producer of molybdenum. FCX conducts molybdenum mining operations at its wholly owned Henderson underground mine in Colorado and also sells molybdenum produced from its North and South America copper mines.

Development Activities. Construction activities at the Climax molybdenum mine are approximately 60 percent complete. Recent activities include continuation of mill equipment assembly, commencement of flotation cell placement and refurbishment of the primary crusher. FCX plans to advance construction and conduct mine preparation activities throughout 2011, with construction expected to be complete by early 2012. The timing for start up of mining and milling activities will be dependent on market conditions. FCX believes that this project is one of the most attractive primary molybdenum development projects in the world, with large-scale production capacity, attractive cash costs and future growth options. The Climax mine would have an initial annual design capacity of 30 million pounds with significant expansion options. Estimated remaining costs for the project approximate $350 million.

Operating Data. Following is summary operating data for the Molybdenum operations for the first quarters of 2011 and 2010.








Three Months Ended



March 31,



2011

2010







Molybdenum (millions of recoverable pounds)





Productiona


10


9
Sales, excluding purchased metalb


20


17
Average realized price per pound

$ 18.10

$ 15.09







Unit net cash costs per pound of molybdenumc

$ 6.13

$ 5.56







a.


Amounts reflect production at the Henderson molybdenum mine.

b.


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

c.


For a reconciliation of unit net cash costs per pound to production and delivery costs applicable to sales reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements, refer to the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”




Consolidated molybdenum sales from mines were higher in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting improved demand in the chemical and metallurgical sectors.

For the year 2011, FCX expects molybdenum sales from its mines to approximate 73 million pounds (including production of approximately 45 million pounds from the North and South America copper mines), compared to 67 million pounds in 2010 (including production of 32 million pounds from the North and South America copper mines).

Unit net cash costs at the Henderson primary molybdenum mine were higher in the first quarter of 2011, compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily because of increased input costs, including labor and materials. Using current 2011 sales volume and cost estimates, FCX expects average unit net cash costs for its Henderson mine to approximate $7.25 per pound of molybdenum for the year 2011.

EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES

FCX is conducting exploration activities near its existing mines with a focus on opportunities to expand reserves that will support the development of additional future production capacity in the large minerals districts where it currently operates. Favorable exploration results indicate opportunities for significant future potential reserve additions in the Americas and in the Tenke Fungurume minerals district. The drilling data in North America continue to indicate the potential for expanded sulfide production.

Exploration spending in 2011 is expected to approximate $225 million, compared to $113 million in 2010. Exploration activities will continue to focus primarily on the potential for future reserve additions in FCX’s existing minerals districts.

PROVISIONAL PRICING AND OTHER

For the first quarter of 2011, 57 percent of FCX’s mined copper was sold in concentrate, 22 percent as rod from North America operations and 21 percent as cathode. Under the long-established structure of sales agreements prevalent in the industry, substantially all of FCX’s copper concentrate and cathode sales are provisionally priced at the time of shipment. The provisional prices are finalized in a contractually specified future period (generally one to four months from the shipment date), primarily based on quoted London Metal Exchange (LME) monthly average spot prices. Because a significant portion of FCX’s concentrate and cathode sales in any quarterly period usually remain subject to final pricing, the quarter-end forward price is a major determinant of recorded revenues and the average recorded copper price for the period. LME spot copper prices averaged $4.38 per pound during the first quarter of 2011, compared to FCX’s recorded average price of $4.31 per pound.

At December 31, 2010, 417 million pounds of copper sales at FCX’s copper mining operations (net of intercompany sales and noncontrolling interests) were provisionally priced at an average of $4.36 per pound. Lower prices during the first quarter of 2011 resulted in unfavorable adjustments to these provisionally priced copper sales and decreased first-quarter 2011 consolidated revenues by $10 million ($4 million to net income attributable to common stock or less than $0.01 per share). Unfavorable adjustments to the December 31, 2009, provisionally priced copper sales decreased first-quarter 2010 consolidated revenues by $4 million ($2 million to net income attributable to common stock or less than $0.01 per share).

At March 31, 2011, FCX had copper sales of 464 million pounds of copper at its copper mining operations (net of intercompany sales and noncontrolling interests) priced at an average of $4.27 per pound, subject to final pricing over the next several months. Each $0.05 change from the March 31, 2011, average price for provisionally priced copper sales would have an approximate $15 million effect on FCX’s 2011 net income attributable to common stock. The LME spot copper price on April 19, 2011, was $4.21 per pound.

FCX defers recognizing profits on its PT-FI and South America sales to Atlantic Copper and on 25 percent of PT-FI’s sales to PT Smelting, PT-FI’s 25 percent-owned Indonesian smelting unit, until final sales to third parties occur. FCX’s net deferred profits on PT-FI and South America concentrate inventories at Atlantic Copper and PT Smelting to be recognized in future periods’ net income attributable to common stock totaled $249 million at March 31, 2011. Changes in FCX’s net deferrals attributable to variability in intercompany volumes resulted in reductions to net income attributable to common stock totaling $15 million, $0.02 per share, in the first quarter of 2011 and $48 million, $0.05 per share, for the first quarter 2010. Quarterly variations in ore grades, the timing of intercompany shipments and changes in product prices will result in variability in FCX’s net deferred profits and quarterly earnings.

CASH FLOWS, CASH and DEBT

Operating cash flows totaled $2.4 billion for the first quarter of 2011. Cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of 2011 reflected capital expenditures of $505 million.

At March 31, 2011, FCX had consolidated cash of $4.1 billion, excluding $1.2 billion of restricted cash. Net of noncontrolling interests’ share, taxes and other costs, cash available to the parent company totaled $3.2 billion as shown below (in billions):








March 31,



2011
Cash at domestic companiesa

$ 1.9
Cash at international operations


2.2
Total consolidated cash


4.1
Less: Noncontrolling interests’ share


(0.7)
Cash, net of noncontrolling interests’ share


3.4
Less: Withholding taxes and other


(0.2)
Net cash

$ 3.2

a. Includes cash at FCX’s parent and North America mining operations.


At March 31, 2011, FCX had $4.8 billion in debt. After giving effect to the April 1, 2011, redemption of $1.1 billion in FCX’s 8.25% Senior Notes due 2015, which was funded with restricted cash, total debt approximated $3.7 billion.

On March 30, 2011, FCX entered into a new senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which replaced the revolving credit facilities that were scheduled to mature in March 2012. The new revolving credit facility is available until March 30, 2016, in an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion, with $500 million available to PT-FI. FCX had no borrowings and $43 million of letters of credit issued under its revolving credit facility resulting in total availability of approximately $1.5 billion at March 31, 2011.

After taking into account the April 1, 2011, redemption of the 8.25% Senior Notes, FCX has repaid approximately $3.7 billion in debt (approximately 50 percent) since January 1, 2009, resulting in estimated annual interest savings of approximately $260 million based on current interest rates. FCX expects to record an approximate $49 million charge to net income attributable to common stock in the second quarter of 2011 in connection with the April 1, 2011, senior note redemption. FCX’s debt maturities through 2013 are indicated in the table below (in millions).





2011

$



90
2012






2
2013






1
Total 2011 – 2013

$



93




FCX has $3.0 billion in debt, which is redeemable in whole or in part, at its option, at make-whole redemption prices prior to April 2012, and afterwards at stated redemption prices.

OUTLOOK

Projected consolidated sales volumes for 2011 approximate 3.9 billion pounds of copper, 1.6 million ounces of gold and 73 million pounds of molybdenum, including 965 million pounds of copper, 365 thousand ounces of gold and 17 million pounds of molybdenum in the second quarter of 2011.

Using 2011 sales volume and cost estimates and assuming average prices of $4.25 per pound of copper, $1,400 per ounce of gold and $15 per pound of molybdenum for the remainder of 2011, FCX’s consolidated operating cash flows are estimated to approximate $8.3 billion in 2011. The impact of price changes for the remainder of 2011 on FCX’s 2011 operating cash flows would approximate $125 million for each $0.05 per pound change in the average price of copper, $50 million for each $50 per ounce change in the average price of gold and $60 million for each $2 per pound change in the average price of molybdenum.

FCX’s capital expenditures are currently estimated to approximate $2.5 billion for 2011. Capital expenditures for major projects in 2011 are expected to approximate $1.3 billion, which primarily includes underground development activities at Grasberg, construction activities at the Climax molybdenum mine and completion of the initial phase of the sulfide ore project at El Abra. In addition, FCX is considering additional investments at several of its sites. Capital spending plans will continue to be reviewed and adjusted in response to changes in market conditions and other factors.

FINANCIAL POLICY

FCX has a long-standing tradition of seeking to build shareholder value through investing in projects with attractive rates of return and returning cash to shareholders through common stock dividends and share purchases.

In December 2010, FCX’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of its common stock. On February 1, 2011, shareholders received one additional share of common stock for each share of common stock held. After taking the stock split into account, the annual dividend rate is $1.00 per share ($0.25 per share quarterly).

FCX also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a supplemental common stock dividend of $0.50 per share to be paid on June 1, 2011, to shareholders of record as of May 15, 2011. The supplemental dividend to be paid in June represents an addition to FCX’s regular quarterly common stock dividend of $0.25 per share. Based on approximately 947 million shares currently outstanding, the June 2011 supplemental dividend payment will approximate $474 million.

FCX intends to continue to maintain a strong financial position, invest aggressively in attractive growth projects and provide cash returns to shareholders. The Board will continue to review FCX’s financial policy on an ongoing basis.

WEBCAST INFORMATION

A conference call with securities analysts to discuss FCX’s first-quarter 2011 results is scheduled for today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be broadcast on the Internet along with slides. Interested parties may listen to the conference call live and view the slides by accessing “www.fcx.com.” A replay of the webcast will be available through Friday, May 20, 2011.

FCX is a leading international mining company with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. FCX operates large, long-lived, geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold and molybdenum. FCX has a dynamic portfolio of operating, expansion and growth projects in the copper industry and is the world’s largest producer of molybdenum.

The company’s portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district, the world’s largest copper and gold mine in terms of recoverable reserves; significant mining operations in the Americas, including the large-scale Morenci and Safford minerals districts in North America and the Cerro Verde and El Abra operations in South America; and the Tenke Fungurume minerals district in the DRC. Additional information about FCX is available on FCX’s website at “www.fcx.com.”

Cautionary Statement and Regulation G Disclosure: This press release contains forward-looking statements in which FCX discusses its potential 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, liquidity, other financial commitments and tax rates, the impact of copper, gold, molybdenum and cobalt price changes, potential prepayments of debt, 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 FCX’s Board of Directors (the Board) and will depend on FCX’s financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

In making any forward-looking statements, the person making them believes that the expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. FCX cautions readers that those statements are not guarantees of future performance and its actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause FCX’s 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 potential effects of violence in Indonesia, the resolution of administrative disputes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, weather-related risks, labor relations, environmental risks, litigation results, currency translation risks and other factors described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in FCX's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed 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 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 more frequently than quarterly.

This press release also contains certain financial measures such as unit net cash costs (credits) per pound of copper and per pound of molybdenum. As required by SEC Regulation G, reconciliations of these measures to amounts reported in FCX’s consolidated financial statements are in the supplemental schedule, “Product Revenues and Production Costs,” beginning on page VI, which is available on FCX’s website, “www.fcx.com.”


FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

SELECTED OPERATING DATA




Three Months Ended March 31,



Production

Sales

COPPER (millions of recoverable pounds)



2011

2010

2011

2010
MINED COPPER (FCX’s net interest in %)





















North America























Morenci (85%)




122 a





98 a


118 a


107 a
Bagdad (100%)




49





52


50


57
Safford (100%)




28





47


30


51
Sierrita (100%)




40





35


39


40
Miami (100%)




14





3


10


4
Tyrone (100%)




19





20


19


22
Chino (100%)




9





8


9


9
Other (100%)




1





1


1


1
Total North America




282





264


276


291























South America























Cerro Verde (53.56%)




175





165


169


156
Candelaria/Ojos del Salado (80%)




94





72


93


74
El Abra (51%)




48





85


50


77
Total South America




317





322


312


307























Indonesia























Grasberg (90.64%)




284 b





279 b


278 b


296 b























Africa























Tenke Fungurume (57.75%)




67





64


60


66























Consolidated




950





929


926


960
Less noncontrolling interests




179





186


173


181
Net




771





743


753


779























Consolidated sales from mines















926


960
Purchased copper















77


21
Total consolidated sales















1,003


981























Average realized price per pound















$4.31


$3.42























GOLD (thousands of recoverable ounces)























MINED GOLD (FCX’s net interest in %)





















North America (100%)




1





1


2


1
South America (80%)




24





19


24


19
Indonesia (90.64%)




441 b





429 b


454 b


458 b
Consolidated




466





449


480


478
Less noncontrolling interests




46





44


47


47
Net




420





405


433


431























Consolidated sales from mines















480


478
Purchased gold















-


-
Total consolidated sales















480


478























Average realized price per ounce















$1,399


$1,110























MOLYBDENUM (millions of recoverable pounds)























MINED MOLYBDENUM (FCX’s net interest in %)





















Henderson (100%)




10





9


N/A


N/A
North America (100%)




7





6


N/A


N/A
Cerro Verde (53.56%)




3





2


N/A


N/A
Consolidated




20





17


20


17
Less noncontrolling interests




1





1


1


1
Net




19





16


19


16























Consolidated sales from mines















20


17
Purchased molybdenum















-


1
Total consolidated sales















20


18























Average realized price per pound















$18.10


$15.09























COBALT (millions of contained pounds)























MINED COBALT (FCX’s net interest in %)





















Consolidated – Tenke Fungurume (57.75%)




6





5


6


3
Less noncontrolling interests




3





2


3


1
Net




3





3


3


2























Total consolidated sales















6


3























Average realized price per pound















$10.99


$10.94



a.


Net of Morenci’s joint venture partner’s 15 percent interest.

b.


Net of Grasberg’s joint venture partner’s interest, which varies in accordance with the terms of the joint venture agreement.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
SELECTED OPERATING DATA (continued)




Three Months Ended
March 31,




2011

2010
100% North America Copper Mines Operating Data





Solution Extraction/Electrowinning (SX/EW) Operations







Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)

699,700

601,900
Average copper ore grade (percent)

0.24

0.24
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)

182

202







Mill Operations







Ore milled (metric tons per day)

213,400

162,900
Average ore grades (percent):





Copper

0.36

0.30
Molybdenum

0.03

0.02
Copper recovery rate (percent)

81.8

85.7
Production (millions of recoverable pounds):





Copper

122

80
Molybdenum

7

6







100% South America Mining Operating Data





SX/EW Operations







Leach ore placed in stockpiles (metric tons per day)

262,200

255,800
Average copper ore grade (percent)

0.43

0.44
Copper production (millions of recoverable pounds)

90

133







Mill Operations







Ore milled (metric tons per day)

191,800

180,100
Average ore grades:





Copper (percent)

0.68

0.62
Gold (grams per metric ton)

0.12

0.09
Molybdenum (percent)

0.02

0.02
Copper recovery rate (percent)

91.4

89.2

Production (recoverable):







Copper (millions of pounds)



227

189

Gold (thousands of ounces)



24

19

Molybdenum (millions of pounds)



3

2







100% Indonesia Mining Operating Data





Ore milled (metric tons per day)

222,200

234,000
Average ore grades:





Copper (percent)

0.77

0.78
Gold (grams per metric ton)

0.89

0.87
Recovery rates (percent):





Copper

87.3

88.2
Gold

82.0

79.0
Production (recoverable):





Copper (millions of pounds)

284

308
Gold (thousands of ounces)

459

466







100% Africa Mining Operating Data





Ore milled (metric tons per day)

10,800

9,700
Average ore grades (percent):





Copper

3.42

3.70
Cobalt

0.38

0.46
Copper recovery rate (percent)

91.7

91.7
Production (millions of pounds):





Copper (recoverable)

67

64
Cobalt (contained)

6

5







100% Henderson Primary Molybdenum Mine Operating Data





Henderson Molybdenum Mine Operations







Ore milled (metric tons per day)

23,400

23,200
Average molybdenum ore grade (percent)

0.24

0.23
Molybdenum production (millions of recoverable pounds)

10

9

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended
March 31,




2011

2010



(In Millions, Except
Per Share Amounts)

Revenues

$ 5,709

a



$ 4,363 a
Cost of sales:







Production and delivery


2,377



1,918
Depreciation, depletion and amortization


232



271
Total cost of sales


2,609



2,189
Selling, general and administrative expenses


114



95
Exploration and research expenses


50



31
Total costs and expenses


2,773



2,315
Operating income


2,936



2,048
Interest expense, net


(98)b



(145) b
Losses on early extinguishment of debt


(7)



(27)
Other income, net


10



12

Income before income taxes and equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings




2,841



1,888
Provision for income taxes


(984)



(678)
Equity in affiliated companies’ net earnings


4



5
Net income


1,861



1,215
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests


(362)



(270)
Preferred dividends


- c



(48)
Net income attributable to FCX common stockholders

$ 1,499


$ 897









Net income per share attributable to FCX common stockholders:







Basic

$ 1.58


$ 1.04 d
Diluted

$ 1.57


$ 1.00 d









Weighted-average common shares outstanding:







Basic


946



861 d
Diluted


955



947 d









Dividends declared per share of common stock

$ 0.25


$ 0.075 d



a.


Includes negative adjustments to provisionally priced copper sales recognized in prior years totaling $10 million in first-quarter 2011 and $4 million in first-quarter 2010.

b.


Consolidated interest expense (before capitalization) totaled $123 million in first-quarter 2011 and $151 million in first-quarter 2010. Lower interest expense in first-quarter 2011 primarily reflects the impact of debt repayments in 2010.

c.


During the second quarter of 2010, FCX’s outstanding 6¾% Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock converted into FCX common stock.

d.


Adjusted to reflect the February 1, 2011, two-for-one stock split.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)




March 31,

December 31,



2011

2010



(In Millions)
ASSETS







Current assets:







Cash and cash equivalents

$


4,090


$ 3,738
Restricted cash for early extinguishment of debt





1,168 a



-
Trade accounts receivable





1,588



2,132
Other accounts receivable





311



293
Inventories:







Product





1,450



1,409
Materials and supplies, net





1,199



1,169
Mill and leach stockpiles





1,060



856
Other current assets





280



254
Total current assets





11,146



9,851
Property, plant, equipment and development costs, net





17,076



16,785
Long-term mill and leach stockpiles





1,402



1,425
Intangible assets, net





325



328
Other assets





1,059



997
Total assets

$


31,008


$ 29,386









LIABILITIES AND EQUITY







Current liabilities:







Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$


2,318


$ 2,441
Current portion of debt





1,170 a



95
Accrued income taxes





806



648
Dividends payable





239



240
Current portion of reclamation and environmental obligations





201



207
Rio Tinto share of joint venture cash flows





17



132
Total current liabilities





4,751



3,763
Long-term debt, less current portion





3,582



4,660
Deferred income taxes





3,056



2,873
Reclamation and environmental obligations, less current portion





2,065



2,071
Other liabilities





1,463



1,459
Total liabilities





14,917



14,826
Equity:







FCX stockholders’ equity:







Common stock





107



107
Capital in excess of par value





18,893



18,751
Accumulated deficit





(1,328)



(2,590)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss





(318)



(323)
Common stock held in treasury





(3,553)



(3,441)
Total FCX stockholders’ equity





13,801



12,504
Noncontrolling interests





2,290



2,056
Total equity





16,091



14,560
Total liabilities and equity

$


31,008


$ 29,386



a.


Using restricted cash of $1.2 billion, on April 1, 2011, FCX redeemed $1.1 billion of its outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2015 for 104.125 percent of the principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended
March 31,




2011

2010



(In Millions)
Cash flow from operating activities:





Net income

$ 1,861


$ 1,215

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:







Depreciation, depletion and amortization


232



271
Stock-based compensation


43



47
Charges for reclamation and environmental obligations, including accretion


38



39
Payments of reclamation and environmental obligations


(52)



(68)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt


7



27
Deferred income taxes


127



7
Other, net


(11)



-
(Increases) decreases in working capital:





Accounts receivable


511



33
Inventories


(253)



(113)
Other current assets


(18)



(2)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


(264)



(17)
Accrued income and other taxes


138



379
Net cash provided by operating activities


2,359



1,818







Cash flow from investing activities:





Capital expenditures:





North America copper mines


(119)



(19)
South America


(140)



(48)
Indonesia


(125)



(98)
Africa


(11)



(39)
Molybdenum


(71)



(7)
Other


(39)



(20)
Other, net


-



2
Net cash used in investing activities


(505)



(229)







Cash flow from financing activities:





Proceeds from debt


9



21
Repayments of debt


(13)



(326)
Restricted cash for early extinguishment of debt


(1,124)



-
Cash dividends and distributions paid:





Common stock


(238)



(66)
Preferred stock


-



(49)
Noncontrolling interests


(133)



(75)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests


5



8
Net payments for stock-based awards


(20)



(10)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards


21



4
Other, net


(9)



-
Net cash used in financing activities


(1,502)



(493)







Net increase in cash and cash equivalents


352



1,096
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


3,738



2,656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 4,090


$ 3,752

Contacts

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
Financial Contacts:
Kathleen L. Quirk, 602-366-8016
or
David P. Joint, 504-582-4203
or
Media Contact:
Eric E. Kinneberg, 602-366-7994