High throughput low topography copper CMP process

Embodiments described herein generally provide a method for processing metals disposed on a substrate in a chemical mechanical polishing system. The method advantageously facilitates efficient bulk and residual conductive material removal from a substrate. In one embodiment a method for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a conductive material disposed on a substrate is provided. A substrate comprising a conductive material disposed over an underlying barrier material is positioned on a first platen containing a first polishing pad. The substrate is polished on a first platen to remove a bulk portion of the conductive material. A rate quench process is performed in order to reduce a metal ion concentration in the polishing slurry. The substrate is polished on the first platen to breakthrough the conductive material exposing a portion of the underlying barrier material.