A process is provided for the production of porous non-evaporable getter materials comprising at least one first element selected from Zr and Ti and at least one second element selected from V, Cr, Mn and Ni. The starting metal powders are produced by reduction of the corresponding oxides, with calcium hydride and the thus obtained powders are compacted and sintered at a value of pressure and temperature in a given range. The getter materials due to the production process, have a novel distribution of chemical composition through the getter body, resulting in an improved combination of mechanical and gas-sorption properties.