Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting metals from large solution flows in liquid--liquid solvent extraction and to an apparatus for realizing the same. By employing the method and apparatus of the invention, it is possible to choose which phase is maintained continuous at the dispersion stage, while the other phase remains as drops, to prevent the aeration of the organic phase and to pump the phases further at a low circumferential speed in order to prevent emulsification. Another object of the invention is to make the dispersion removed from the settler unit spread in the settler unit over the whole transversal area thereof. The method and apparatus of the invention are particularly well suited to large copper extraction plants.