This invention discloses a high temperature stable, supported, non-noble metal catalyst, represented by a general formula: NiCo.sub.aCe.sub.bMg.sub.cY.sub.dO.sub.x(y)/S, wherein S is a low surface area, macroporous, highly sintered, solid support comprising zirconium and hafnium oxides with less than 3 wt % silica and/or alumina having a surface area less than 1.0 m.sup.2/g and pore diameter greater than 0.1 micron, in the form of pellet, ring, monolith or granules; a is from 0.01 to 10; b is from 0.001 to 10; c is from 0.001 to 10; d is from 0.005 to 5; x is number of oxygen atoms required to fulfill the valance requirement of the metallic elements; and y is weight percent loading of the active catalyst mass, on the support, S, in the range from 0.7% to 70%. The invention also discloses a process for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbon(s) to syngas using the thermally stable catalyst.