The effect of liner/lifter profile on kinetics of batch grinding and the milling capacity in general was assessed using mono-size quartz material of 30 x 40 mesh (-600 + 425 mu m) as feed. The liner profiles tested were, (i) bevel with 60 degrees lifter face angle to represent the new liners, (ii) bevel with 45 degrees lifter face angle to represent the worn liners and (iii) worn bevel modified with cone-lifters. The tests were conducted under identical conditions to allow a comparative analysis of the results. In all cases, the breakage followed the first order hypothesis. The experimental size distribution data was well predicted by the S and B model, thus allowing for estimation of breakage and selection parameters (i.e., y and a(T)) for the three liner situations tested. The optimised values of the specific rate of breakage, Si for the three liner profiles tested were 0.381, 0.287 and 0.365 min(-1), respectively, which clearly indicates the benefit of cone-lifters. The breakage distribution function (B-ij) values did not vary significantly with liner profile, which echoes the findings by other researchers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.