Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin from a hydrocarbon, which process comprises: contacting the hydrocarbon and a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst under auto-thermal conditions sufficient to produce the olefin wherein the catalyst comprises a component (a) and a component (b) wherein component (a) is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IIIA, Group IVA, Group VA and the transition metals and component (b) is at least one transition metal wherein said catalyst (i) comprises palladium and/or platinum at a total concentration of 0 to 1 wt % inclusive or (ii) is substantially free of palladium and/or platinum added independently of the other metal components. Preferred catalysts comprise rhodium/tin, rhodium/copper and cobalt/tin.