In gasification plants carbon-containing raw materials react in the presence of oxygen and water vapour to form synthesis gases. Through the development of a new method, the maximum temperature in the gasification process could be reduced. This provides the possibility to replace the high-chrome containing refractories with non-hazardous and economic materials. Here, the mechanical and chemical properties of magnesia refractory ceramics, which were doped with ZrO2, were investigated and discussed based on their suitability as a lining material in gasification plants.