This work deals with the cementation of copper ions onto iron shots, within a fixed bed or fluidized bed, associated with an electromagnetic field. The influence of several parameters is studied: flowrate (5-45 L min(-1) corresponding to a 1.4 x 10(-2) to 1.3 x 10(-1) m s(-1) superficial velocity), temperature (20-40 degrees C), initial concentration of Cu(II) (50-10,000 ppm), pH (1.5-4.5), bed height (20-45 cm). Moreover, the influence of a movable and alternated electromagnetic field is also investigated. Cementation results and the hydrodynamic characterization of the reactor have been coupled through a process modeling in order to determine apparent mass transfer coefficients. These coefficients (ranging from 2.2 x 10(-5) to 2.3 x 10(-4) m s(-1)) are used as a comparison criterion to quantify the influence of each operating parameters. This work points out an enhancement of copper recovery when the electromagnetic field leads to a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB). (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.