A method and apparatus for comminuting particulate material by inter-particle comminution in a bed of particles are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical roller mill with a horizontal grinding table rotating about a verticle mill axis. At least one grinding roller presses resiliently against a bed of particulate material on the grinding track and applies a compressive force. The geometry of the mill is such that the roller engages the bed of particulate material with a substantially pure rolling action. This minimises shear forces applied to the particle bed and minimises the reduction of fines.