Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved liner assembly for the cylindrical drum or shell of an ore grinding machine. The liner assembly comprises a plurality of holder segments each of which is formed with a longitudinal channel that is closed at the bottom and opens upwardly or toward the shell center. Each channel has longitudinal sides that converge toward the exposed or upper surface of the wear segment. Wear inserts of abrasion resistant material are inserted lengthwise into the channels, each having a cross section that conforms to the channel to be retained within it. The holder segments are mounted to the shell in axial rows with the inserts in end relation to present a continuous ridged wear surface over the entire axial length of the liner assembly.