Abstract: A self-emptying vacuum apparatus for use by gold prospectors includes a collection chamber, a vacuum source, a suction hose connected to the collection chamber for vacuum-collecting material from a work surface, and a flapper assembly for discharging accumulated material. During operation, the vacuum source creates a vacuum within the collection chamber sufficient to close a flapper of the flapper assembly, thereby creating a vacuum seal that causes the flow of air through the suction hose, into the collection chamber, and out of the vacuum source, allowing vacuum-collected material to drop into the collection chamber. When the weight of material accumulated within the collection chamber is sufficient to overcome the vacuum force maintaining the flapper closed, the flapper opens to discharge the accumulated material. As soon as each accumulated load of vacuum-collected material is discharged, the flapper is again drawn closed, and the collection and discharge cycle is repeated.