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In 1994 production of electrowon copper cathodes in the western world was 939 000 t, out of a total refined copper production of 9 111 000 t. Chilean electrowon cathode production was 202 000 t, with Codelco the main producer. Western world production is expected to rise to 2 341 000 t by 2003 with Latin America (in effect, Chile) by then contributing 1 414 000 t. The solvent extraction and electrowinning route has a number of advantages and, with the advent of biochemical leaching processes, is no longer limited to oxide ores but can be used for some sulphide deposits as well. Stringent impurity control is necessary to ensure that the ductility and conductivity required for copper cables and wires is retained; in 1992 70% of world cathodes fulfilled the LME/Comex requirements for high quality. Current Chilean production is from 13 projects, with 3 more under construction and a number more under consideration., In 1994 production of electrowon copper cathodes in the western world was 939 000 t, out of a total refined copper production of 9 111 000 t. Chilean electrowon cathode production was 202 000 t, with Codelco the main producer. Western world production is expected to rise to 2 341 000 t by 2003 with Latin America (in effect, Chile) by then contributing 1 414 000 t. The solvent extraction and electrowinning route has a number of advantages and, with the advent of biochemical leaching processes, is no longer limited to oxide ores but can be used for some sulphide deposits as well. Stringent impurity control is necessary to ensure that the ductility and conductivity required for copper cables and wires is retained; in 1992 70% of world cathodes fulfilled the LME/Comex requirements for high quality. Current Chilean production is from 13 projects, with 3 more under construction and a number more under consideration.