Irradiation by multi-line average-power argon laser was used for the enhancement of the electrochemical deposition of gold and copper from cyanide solution, and copper and nickel from sulfate solutions. The deposition rate was significantly increased with increasing laser power. The diameter of the laser focus on the cathode was less than 30 mum at a power density (intensity) of 0.1 MW/cm(2). The increase in deposition rate may be explained by thermal activation of the cathode/electrolyte surface at the interface.