Abstract: A machine for comminuting material by impact, comprising a hollow impeller rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, an upwardly opening material inlet and radially outward material outlet ducts (40). The ducts (40) are sufficiently narrow to prevent material striking the walls thereof with a high impact force. A plurality of anvils are arranged to be struck by material which has emerged from the ducts (40). One side wall of each duct (40) is lined with a tile (55) of a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide.