The solvent extraction and stripping of copper have been conducted in a Y-Y type microchannel reactor. The experimental results demonstrate that the Y-Y type microchannel reactor can be used for both Cu extraction and Cu stripping. The effects of residence time, aqueous phase pH, and concentration of extractant on the extent of extraction were investigated. The results indicated that the extent of extraction and the separation factor using a Y-Y type microchannel reactor are greater than those obtained with a conventional batch extraction. The maximum extraction of copper reached 86.02%. Also, the stripping reaction was studied with respect to Cu2+ concentration in the loaded organic phase, H2SO4 concentration, and the organic/aqueous phase ratio. The maximum stripping of copper reached 98.94%. The overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients (K-L alpha) were calculated to evaluate mass transfer characteristics. For comparison, conventional batch extraction experiments were also carried out, in parallel. The laminar flow pattern through the Y-Y microchannel was investigated by numerical simulation, and by experimental measurements. The maximum separation factors, beta(cu/fe) and beta(cu/zn), were found to be 465.53 and 1249.70, respectively. Higher K-L alpha( )values (0.4937-3.3969 s(-1)) were obtained for Cu within 5 s using a microchannel reactor compared with values (0.006-0.073 s(-1)) from batch experiments. Much higher overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients, K-L alpha values (04937-3.3969 s(-1)) for Cu, and lower K-L alpha values for Fe (0.0477-0.3173 s(-1)) and Zn (0.0395-0.2130 s(-1)), demonstrated an effective separation between Cu and Fe, Zn.