Cathode copper

This article is about the metallurgical product. For a general discussion on the electrode, see Cathode.

Cathode copper is copper with a purity of 99.99%,^[1] it is commonly produced in the form of rectangular copper plates with "ears" for handling.^[2] Its is mainly produced via two different methods, one starting with copper oxide minerals and one from copper sulfide minerals.^[1] Copper sulfides goes through a process of conminution and are then typically separatet from gangue (and future tailings) in using froth flotation. The resulting copper concentrate is then smelted to produce anode copper which is then electrorefined to obtain cathode copper.^[1][3] Copper oxides are leached and the processed through solvent extraction and electrowinning.^[1][3]

Cathode copper is used to produce ingots, billets, cakes and wire rods which are then used to produce copper wire.^[2]

See also

• List of copper smelters in Chile