Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

On July 6, 2009, McMoRan Exploration Co. released the attached press release announcing positive drilling results at its Blueberry Hill deep gas exploratory sidetrack well located on Louisiana State Lease 340. The release mentions Plains Exploration & Production Company, which owns a 47.9% working interest in Blueberry Hill. The press release is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The information presented herein under Item 7.01 shall not be deemed "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act 1934, as amended, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as may be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibit 99.1 - Press release by McMoRan Exploration Co., dated July 6, 2009.

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