Abstract: A process is described for the elimination of hydrogen sulfide from gas mixtures by catalytic oxidation over activated carbon catalyst which converts the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur and water, the former being sorbed by the activated carbon while the latter is transported with the gas mixture and may be removed by known dehydration processes. The above oxidative process is conducted at elevated temperatures and pressures and with sufficient residence time to assure virtually complete conversion of the hydrogen sulfide with minimal production of by-product sulfur dioxide. Traces of heavy hydrocarbons in the feed gas mixture which may reduce the life of the catalyst and the quality of the sulfur product may be removed by cryogenic means or by sorption on an activated carbon guard bed.