The invention provides for a dropped charge protection system, wherein the system includes calculating an angle of repose of a charge of a grinding mill during start-up and tripping the mill motor when the angle of repose of the charge exceeds a maximum allowable angle. The invention also provides for a control system for controlling the torque applied to starting a grinding mill, wherein the system includes using a pre-determined angle of repose, controlling a real angle of repose of a charge such that the real angle of repose coincides with the pre-determined angle of repose through the manipulation of the torque of the motor and wherein the angle of repose is controlled in such a way as to encourage tumbling of the charge.