Permanent Cathode Technologies in Copper Electrowinning: Development and Status

The replacement of copper metal starter-sheet cathodes with the use of permanent cathode technology, in which the target metal is plated onto an inert blank template, has enabled significant benefits in the copper electrowinning process. These include the application of significantly higher current density, which reduces tankhouse footprint and increases process intensity per unit area; improved operator safety with less reliance on manual electrode handling; and the implementation of process automation and robotics. Cathodes of >99.99% chemical purity and with a smooth and aesthetic surface morphology are consistently produced. This review considers the evolution and development of the permanent cathode process, its commercial adoption across the global copper industry, and the current technology status.