Abstract: A process for the production of blister copper from high-grade copper matte or similar copper sulphide comprises the steps of solidifying and cooling molten copper matte produced in a primary smelting furnace followed by crushing of the solidified matte if necessary to produce a coarse solid matte less than about fifteen centimeters in size, heating a bath smelting reactor to a temperature at which converting reactions take place and providing a bath of molten copper, continuously feeding measured quantities of coarse solid matte and flux into the bath smelting reactor, continously introducing sufficient quantities of oxygen or oxygen enriched air through submerged fluid protected tuyeres such that the iron and sulphur present in the copper matte are oxidized, and periodically withdrawing molten blister copper, liquid slag and continously withdrawing off-gas from the bath smelting reactor.