Abstract: A low alloy white cast iron has been developed for wear resistance applications. The alloy consists essentially of about 2 to 4% carbon, 0.3 to 1.5% silicon, 0.5 to 1.5% manganese, 0.5 to 1.5% copper and 0.25 to 1% molybdenum, the remainder being substantially iron except for incidental impurities commonly found in cast iron. The preferred alloy composition is 2.5 to 3% carbon, 0.6 to 0.9% silicon, about 1% manganese, about 1% copper and about 0.5% molybdenum, the rest being substantially iron. The process for manufacturing the above wear resistant alloy consists in melting an alloy having the composition mentioned above, casting such alloy into moulds to produce a desired product such as grinding balls or slugs, shaking the product out of the moulds at a temperature of 750.degree. C. or higher, preferably about 900.degree. C. and cooling the product at a rate of 2.degree. to 15.degree. C./sec., preferably 5.degree. to 10.degree. C./sec.