A process and apparatus for recovering copper values from acidic solutions containing dissolved copper is disclosed. The process and apparatus comprises reacting in an intake line and feed pump powdered iron in the size range of up to -40 mesh with the solution to displace the copper therefrom as metallic copper, and separating the copper from the solution by settling the metallic copper in the bottom of a vessel known as a polishing tower. Preferably, the solution is clarified by passing it upwardly through a bed of scrap iron, after which the solution is centrifuged to remove particles therefrom.