A process for the gasification of solid carbon comprising heating under suitable conditions a feed comprising finely divided particles formed by admixing finely divided particles of solid carbon with a slurry of zinc nitrate, removing enough of the liquid of said slurry to give a solid product, calcining said solid product at a temperature no greater than about 550.degree. C. to convert a substantial portion of the zinc material to zinc oxide, and then comminuting the calcined material to the desired particle size.