Abstract: Process for the preparation of a composite material incorporating an inorganic matrix in which are distributed inclusions of carbon-containing material, where it comprises the following stages:(a) mixing an inorganic powder with a liquid or viscous resin, which can be transformed into vitreous carbon by heat treatment,(b) subjecting the mixture of resin and inorganic powder to a first heat treatment performed under conditions such that the resin is hardened by crosslinking or polycondensation, and(c) subjecting the thus obtained hardened product to a second heat treatment for transforming the resin into vitreous carbon and thus forming said vitreous carbon inclusions.The composite material obtained comprises a copper matrix in which are uniformly and homogeneously dispersed vitreous carbon inclusions, the vitreous carbon content being at the most 8% by weight.The material is used in the production of electric contacts.