NM Economic Development Course taking place in Silver City this week

The New Mexico Economic Development Course, which takes place each May at Western New Mexico University, started Sunday afternoon with orientation, followed by a reception for participants held at WNMU President Joseph Shepard's house.

Thirty-seven participants from not only New Mexico, but also from other states and Ghana, are taking part in the 21st annual course to earn college credit or to increase their knowledge of economic development.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. and Plains Exploration & Production Company Announce PXP Shareholders Approve Acquisition

PHOENIX, AZ, and HOUSTON, TX, May 20, 2013 – Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE: FCX) and Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE: PXP) today announced that the shareholders of PXP approved FCX’s acquisition of PXP at a special meeting held today. A majority of the outstanding shares approved the transaction.

The transaction is anticipated to close on May 31, 2013. Following completion of the transaction, there are expected to be approximately 1,038 million shares of FCX outstanding.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Announces Intention to Declare $1.00 per Share Supplemental Dividend

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. Announces Intention to Declare $1.00 per Share Supplemental Dividend on Closing of Plains Exploration & Production Company Acquisition and Reiterates Capital Allocation Plan for Oil & Gas Business

PHOENIX, AZ, May 20, 2013 – Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (NYSE: FCX) announced today that its Board of Directors intends to declare a supplemental dividend of $1.00 per share of common stock immediately following the closing of the pending acquisition of Plains Exploration & Production Company (NYSE: PXP). This supplemental dividend would be in addition to FCX’s regular quarterly common stock dividend of $0.3125 per share.

Weather Alert upgraded to Red Flag Warning

...Red flag warning in effect from noon to 9 pm mdt monday due to
Strong winds and low humidity...

* area affected: portions of southwest and south-central new
  Mexico including fire weather zones 110 111 and 112.

* timing: monday from noon to 9 pm mdt.