SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  October  15, 2003

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

           Delaware   

  1-9916

          74-2480931

       (State or other

            

(Commission

            

        (IRS Employer

        jurisdiction of

           

  File Number)

      

         Identification

        incorporation or

      

         Number)

        organization)

1615 Poydras Street

New Orleans, Louisiana  70112

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (504) 582-4000

Item 5.  Other Events.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. issued a press release dated October 15, 2003 announcing that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase in its annual common stock dividend from $0.36 per share to $0.80 per share and a new 20 million share open market purchase program (see Exhibit 99).

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, thereunto duly authorized.

FREEPORT-McMoRan COPPER & GOLD INC.

By: \s\ C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.     

     ----------------------------------------

           C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.

      Vice President and Controller -

         Financial Reporting

         (authorized signatory and

        Principal Accounting Officer)

Date:  October 15, 2003

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.

Exhibit Index

Exhibit

Number

99

Press release dated October 15, 2003 titled, “Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Announces Increase in Common Stock Dividend to $0.80 per Share and New 20 Million Share Open Market Purchase Program.”