Cemented carbides of the type WC 8(Fe/Ni/Co) R were made by means of adding minor rare earth elements( R ) and a Fe Ni binder (partly substiting for the Co binder) and their physical and mechanical properties were tested. The influences of various compositions and sintering temperatures on the properties of the alloys have been studied. The results indicate that the properties of the WC 8(Fe/Ni/Co) R cemented carbides are comparable to those of the WC 8Co alloys. The microstructures of the alloys were studied using scanning election microscopy (SEM) and X ray diffraction. Some factors that influence the properties of the WC 8(Fe/Ni/Co) R alloys are discussed in detail.