A method for measuring media wear using a commercially available 0.751 stirred mill is described. Five material groups, namely steel, ceramics, natural materials, glass, and ore pebbles (autogenous grinding) were tested using water alone and a 60% by weight slurry of sulfide ore. Other variables were stirrer speed and media size. The relative wear rates of the different materials and their effects on grinding efficiency are reported. Relative costs of media were taken into account in the assessment. Ottawa sand was the most cost effective medium for wear, and steel shot for grinding efficiency.