Process for electrowinning nickel or cobalt

In a process wherein nickel or cobalt is electrowon from an electrolyte in apparatus having alternately spaced insoluble anodes and cathodes, each anode being provided with diaphragm means for defining an anolyte compartment surrounding the submerged portion of the respective anode, and wherein feed electrolyte is introduced into the space between anolyte compartments and spent electrolyte is withdrawn from within each anolyte compartment, the improvement consisting of including in the feed electrolyte an amount of frothing agent sufficient to ensure the formation of a stable froth at least 3 centimeters thick on the electrolyte surface within the anolyte compartments, and withdrawing froth continuously from each of the anolyte compartments, thereby simultaneously withdrawing from the apparatus spent electrolyte and anodically generated gases.