a primary ore separation device used to remove magnetic particles from non - magnetic particles in a mixture utilizes a spinning magnet within a non - conductive cylindrical tube attaching the magnetic particles to the tube while the magnet is spinning and , by using centrifugal force , or the force caused by inertia , separates and spins away the non - magnetic particles , the device generally used upon mixed ore materials containing gold and other precious metals contained within the non - magnetic particles .