Electrolytic cell

An electrolytic cell for use in electrowinning metal values from solutions containing same, which comprises a housing arranged to contain a predetermined level of solution to be subjected to electrolysis, anode means, cathode means, inlet means for feeding fresh solution into the housing and outlet means for removing treated solution from the cell, wherein the cathode means comprises a cathode assembly which contains material upon which electrowon metal values are deposited and which cathode assembly is arranged to be removed from the cell for removal of the material bearing deposited metal values and replacement by fresh material, and subsequent return of the cathode assembly to the cell, said cathode assembly further comprising a liquid pervious box with a detachable wall which when detached enables removal and replacement of cathode material, a cathode comprising an electrically conductive bar located above said predetermined level, from which is suspended a loop of electrically conductive material on which, in use, the metal values are deposited, and a pair of opposed recesses arranged to receive said electrically conductive bar, said detachable wall being provided with a batten which engages with the recesses when the detachable wall is secured in place in the box so as to press the electrically conductive cathode material into engagement with the electrically conductive bar.