The carbothermic reduction of wolframite and columbite ores has been studied as a means of direct production of Fe-WC and Fe-TaC/NbC composite materials. In both cases reduction with graphite at 1600-degrees-C produces a good dispersion of carbides in an austenitic iron matrix. Gangue oxide materials appear to separate, largely as a slag phase. Some residual porosity has however been found in the product materials.