Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleansing contaminated soil (11), the apparatus includes an extraction vessel (12) into which contaminated soil (11) is delivered together with a solvent. A slurry is produced which is delivered to a settler (18) which produces a settler underflow and contaminated solvent. The settler (18) underflow is delivered to a drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a filter (20) which produces a filter cake also delivered to the drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a distillation column (28) and is subsequently delivered to a plasma gun (35) whereat the contaminants are oxidized.