The kinetics of copper dissolution in sulfuric acid solutions at elevated temperature and oxygen pressure was studied using the methods of rotating and immobile samples. The results obtained are generalized in the form of kinetic relations, rate constants of the process are determined, and the diffusion nature of its development is established. The influence of some ions (NO3-, Fe3+, Cr6+, Mn7+) on copper dissolution is demonstrated. © 1998 MAEe cyrillic signΚ Hayκa/Interperiodica Publishing.