Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing total reduced sulfur compounds (TRS), especially H.sub.2 S and mercaptans, from industrial gases wherein substantially dry activated manganese dioxide absorbent particles are fluidized with the industrial gas at an elevated temperature sufficient to effect oxidation of the total reduced sulfur compounds and the absorption of the oxidized compounds on the absorbent particles. In preferred practice, the dried powder containing areas of the oxidized sulfur compounds is recovered as a particle layer in a bag filter unit through which the industrial gas is caused to flow.