A dimensionally stable anode with enhanced durability for use in electrochem. processes (e.g. those involving evolution of Cl2 or O2) is described. The anode consists of a substrate of >=1 metals or metal oxides provided with an outer Ta surface coated with an electrocatalytic IrO2 coating. It has a std. lifetime >14 h-m2/g (preferably >25 h-m2/g). The substrate can be Ti, Ti alloy, Ta or stainless steel 316 and the coating may consist of Ta2O5 and IrO2. [on SciFinder (R)]