Development of Permanent Cathode Technology

Permanent cathode technology was developed by Mount Isa Mines (MIM) and first implemented at Copper Refineries Pty Ltd (CRL) in Townsville, Australia in 1978. The technology was marketed as the ISA PROCESS™ and gained extensive acceptance in the copper industry.

The Kidd Process was developed by Falconbridge for their Kidd Creek refinery in 1985. The search for improved copper cathode quality in the original starter sheet refinery necessitated the development and installation of permanent cathode technology. In 1992, after many requests from producers around the world, Falconbridge started marketing the Kidd Process.

During the ensuing years, both the ISA PROCESS™ and Kidd Process have undergone continuous improvement and today are regarded as the benchmark technologies for high intensity refining and electrowinning operations. These two technologies are the primary technologies employed in over 95% of the permanent cathode copper tankhouses in the world.

Xstrata PLC purchased MIM in 2002 and Xstrata Technology was established to provide the ISA PROCESS™ and other MIM technologies to world markets.

Xstrata PLC purchased Falconbridge in 2006 and the Kidd Process and other Falconbridge technologies were added to Xstrata Technology’s offerings.

Xstrata Technology has considerable experience in the design and operation of ISA PROCESS™ and Kidd Process tank houses, together boasting an extensive track-record of successful projects.