EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-3 No. 333-84410) of Buckeye Technologies Inc. and in the related Prospectus of
our report dated July 30, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Buckeye Technologies Inc. included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2003.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8, Numbers 33-80865, 33-80867, 33-33621, 33-61373, and 33-61371)
pertaining to the Buckeye Retirement Plus Savings Plan, the Buckeye Retirement
Plan, the Alpha Cellulose Cash Option Thrift Plan, the Restricted Stock Plan,
and the Merfin Systems 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan, of our report dated July 30,
2003, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Buckeye Technologies Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended June 30, 2003.

/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
August 28, 2003