[en] A method for automated separation of short-lived activation product of "7"2Ga from fresh fission products has been developed. Based on the ingenious media selection, optimum column chromatography conditions investigation, multi-column (di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phosphoric acid, tri-n-butyl phosphate, aluminum oxide, activated carbon) combination, and process automation design, the proposed method provides a better recovery of 89 % for gallium and excellent decontamination factors of more than 10"4 for fission products even for large sample volume. Due to effective elimination of matrix interferences, this method coupled with a well-type high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer realized highly selective and sensitive determination of "7"2Ga in spiked complex soil samples. (author)