Al and Cr oxides were pptd. from aq. solns. of their nitrates, calcinated at 400 degrees C for 4 h, wet impregnated with Ni and Au salts (5% and 2016, resp.) and calcinated at 400 degrees C in air. The resulted catalysts were studied for sp. surface, pore distribution, phase compn. and redn. ability and then used for studying partial oxidn. of He-diluted CH4 to CO and H in a flow reactor at 25-900 degrees C. The catalyst showed lower sp. surface (54-70 m(2)/g) than the mixed Al-Cr oxides (93 m(2)/g). The CO yield was 90-93% at 800 degrees C. The addn. of Au resulted in a small decrease of the catalyst activity.