Abstract: A separator pan (10) is set into a rearwardly leaning ng position (FIG. 4). A lower portion of the pan sidewall (28) slopes downwardly as it extends outwardly from the pan bottom (12). A spiral rib (32), inside of the pan (10) slopes upwardly as it extends axially outwardly from the interior of the pan (10). Pan (10) is rotated in a direction causing the spiral rib (32) to coil inwardly. Large particles of gold ore, introduced into the pan (10), gravitate out from the pan, owing to the sloping nature of the lower portion of pan sidewall (28). Smaller particles, including small particles of gold, are trapped between spiral rib (32) and sidewall (28) and bottom wall (10) of pan (10). As the pan (10) rotates, these small particles are moved inwardly and into a hub cup (14).