X0202 4 2008-06-05 false 0000064279 MCMORAN EXPLORATION CO /DE/ MMR 0001200693 RANKIN B M JR 300 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 875 DALLAS TX 75201 true false false false Common Stock 567889 I By Rankin Interests Limited Partnership Common Stock 2000 I As Trustee of trust for granddaughter Common Stock 4500 I As Trustee of trust for grandson Common Stock 2008-06-05 4 A false 2500 0 A 13573 D Option (right to buy) 31.92 2008-06-05 4 A false 1500 0 A 2009-06-01 2018-06-01 Common Stock 1500 1500 D The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Issuer's Board of Directors granted these options to the Reporting Person under the Issuer's 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") effective June 1, 2008, subject to approval of the Plan by the Issuer's stockholders at its annual meeting on June 5, 2008. 25% exercisable on the date indicated and 25% exercisable on each of the next three anniversaries thereof. Amount beneficially owned following the reported transactions includes 2,500 Common Stock Restricted Stock Units. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Issuer's Board of Directors granted these restricted stock units to the Reporting Person under the Plan effective June 1, 2008, subject to approval of the Plan by the Issuer's stockholders at its annual meeting on June 5, 2008. Kelly C. Simoneaux, on behalf of B. M. Rankin, Jr. pursuant to power of attorney 2008-06-09