zinc is subsequently
electrowon using conventional technology.
In late 1997, Codelco brought on stream the first, US$640 million-plus, phase of the Radomiro Tomic project came on stream with an initial design capacity of 150,000 t/y of
electrowon high-purity cathodes (this issue, p.128-132).
New lead anode alloys, cobalt electrolyte additions and the high grade feed from SX plants are producing modern
electrowon cathodes equal to or better than high grade electro-refined copper.
Electrowon copper's contribution to production continues to rise, and investment in larger haul trucks should cut costs further.
Electrowon cathodes will be smelted to dore bars for shipment.
Gold is
electrowon from the concentrated eluate onto steel wool cathodes which are then calcined prior to smelting and casting into bars of approximately 80% gold for delivery to the refinery.