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Refining
Anodes created in the smelting process are purified by electrolytic refining. The anodes hang vertically in cells in an electrolyte bath of copper sulfate and sulfuric acid. Thin starter sheets of pure copper are placed between the anodes and act as cathodes. Both the anode and cathode are in contact with a supply of direct, high-amperage electric power at low voltage that passes through the cells with the electrolyte acting as a conductor, much like a car battery. As copper in the anode is oxidized, it dissolves into the electrolyte solution and then plates onto the cathode. In this process, the impurities are removed, leaving a high-quality copper product (99.999 percent pure) ready for market.
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