Attrition-milled Nb-50vol%Al2O3 and Cr-50vol%Al2O3 powders have been densified from 13 10 to 1450degreesC in about 10min using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process applying 45MPa of pressure. The milling intensity as conducted on the metal-Al2O3 powders has been found to play a fundamental role determining not only the degree of densification but also the final nature of the composites thus processed. Although the longer milling time conducted on the precursor powders has lead to a material of finer microstructure, the formation of hydroxides hinders its densification capability and strength. The maximum fracture strength developed in these composites has been attained in the Nb-Al2O3 material reaching 825MPa. The SPS densification process of these cermets is discussed.