Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a multiple zone liner system for the cylindrical shell of a ball mill. The liner system comprises a plurality of liner sections which are constructed for mounting on the inner shell surface of the mill in sequential relation along its rotational axis. Each liner section is formed with a plurality of elevated ridges disposed in substantial alignment with the shell access, and which are circumferentially spaced therearound to define a comminuting surface. Each ridge defines a lifting surface that is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to a radius of the shell, and each ridge has a predetermined lifting dimension. The number of ridges of each liner section increases from section to section from the inlet to the outlet of the mill. The angle of the lifting surfaces of the ridges also increases from section to section toward the mill outlet. The lifting dimension of the ridges decreases from section to section from the mill inlet to the outlet.