The present invention relates to a copper-manganese mixed oxide cathode material, which is suitable for use in a cathode of an electrochemical cell, and which has the formula Mn.sub.xCu.sub.yO.sub.z,.nH.sub.2O, wherein the oxidation state of Cu is between about +1 and about +3, the oxidation state of Mn is between about +2 and about +7, x is equal to about 3-y, y is less than about 3, z is calculated or experimentally determined, using means known in the art, based on the values of x and y, as well as the oxidation states of Mn and Cu, and nH.sub.2O represents the surface and structural water present in the mixed oxide material. The present invention further relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode, and an electrolyte in fluid communication with the anode, the cathode and the separator, wherein the cathode comprises the noted cathode material. The present invention still further relates to such an active cathode material, or an alternative cathode material, wherein the copper-manganese mixed oxide comprises a defect spinel-type structure, which is also suitable for use as a cathode component of an alkaline electrochemical cell.