Abstract: A compact, multi-stage, co- or counter-current liquid-liquid extraction apparatus is described having two or more stages. Each stage lies adjacent at least one other stage and comprises a mixing chamber having an agitator mounted therein, upper and lower settling chambers, and upper and lower bafffles between the mixing chamber and the upper and lower settling chambers respectively. Vertical partitions at the corners of each stage strengthen the structure and divide off preferably triangular compartments which act as downcomers or risers as appropriate for the liquid media. The liquid media to be contacted in each stage are supplied to the mixing chamber from which dispersion flows upwardly and downwardly into the upper and lower baffles. Disengaged lighter medium flows out from the upper settling chamber over a weir to the next stage, while disengaged heavier medium flows out of the lower settling chamber of one stage to the corresponding next stage.