An experimental study on the fine grinding of calcite powder (d(50) = 62.16 mu m) using a 0.75 I laboratory stirred ball mill has been carried out. The effects of various operating factors, such as grinding time (min), stirrer speed (rpm), slurry density (wt.%) and ball filling ratio on fine grinding was studied under batch wet conditions using alumina balls, 95% purity with diameters 3.5-4.0 mm. A series of laboratory experiments using 24 full factorial designs was conducted to determine the optimum grinding parameters. The test results showed that the stirrer speed and grinding time have strong effects on the grinding efficiency, based on the value of specific surface area (m(2)/g). (C) 2010 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.