Two major deposits of diatomaceous earth (diatomite) in the region of the Balkan Peninsula, the Kolubara basin (Serbia and Montenegro) and the Vesje deposit (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), were selected for detailed investigation of their possible application in preparation of beer filter aids. Chemical, mineralogical and structural properties of diatomite samples were analyzed with the aim of predicting the filtration efficiency. Results of beer filtering compounds preparation are presented in this paper. The parameters of crushing, drying, calcination and classification are also defined. Beer filtration tests proved diatomites to be satisfactory and not causing any degradation of filtration process or beer quality. Technological flow scheme for obtaining the beer filter aids is proposed in the paper. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.