Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for separating coal from impurities, which comprises a first and second tank including drag conveyor means and agitation means for the combination of saturating a raw mass containing coal and impurities, dispersing the impurities in to water, separating the coal from the impurities and flowing the mass from the front of the tanks to the rear of the tanks. A crusher as arranged between the tanks through conveyor means for transferring the mass between from one tank to the crusher and from the crusher to the other tank. The mass from the second tank is conveyed in to a separator pan which includes a separator plate, the separator plate having a configuration and being located within the separator pan at a position, so that an upper flow portion of the mass having a lower specific gravity passes thereover, and so that a lower flow portion of the mass having a higher specific gravity passes thereunder and out a hole in the bottom of the separator.