By providing an open-ended perforate vessel which is rotatable about its central axis and incorporates a removable filter element, a highly efficient easily employable precious metal recovery apparatus is achieved capable of removing precious metal from an aqueous carrier. Preferably, the perforate vessel is supportingly contained within a housing which receives the aqueous carrier after passage through the filter and delivers the aqueous carrier to a disposed area. In addition, the perforate vessel is preferably cylindrically shaped with holes formed throughout and the filter comprises a bag-like or envelope-like construction which is easily mounted about the walls of the vessel as well as easily sealed after filtration with the precious metal contained therein for delivery to a reclamation center.