Abstract: Method for the conversion of carbon dioxide to a carbon monoxide-rich synthesis gas mixture is disclosed. The invention method comprises contacting carbon dioxide with at least one hydrocarbon in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a metal selected from platinum of palladium supported on an alumina or silica-alumina support which is stable under the reaction conditions. The invention reaction is typically carried out at a temperature in the range of about 650.degree. C. up to 1000.degree. C. at a gas hourly space velocity in the range of about 100 up to 50,000 volumes per hour.