In this study Cu-contaminated soils were chosen as a candidate material for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) from hot coal gas. Experimental results showed that the H 2 S was significantly reduced below 10 ppm when the Cu-contaminated soils were reacted with H 2 S. The optimal removal temperature of H 2 S was found to be at 923 K in the operating conditions. In addition to Cu species, free Fe oxides in the contaminated soils also performed an active species to react with H 2 S and enhanced the overall sulfur capacity. Through the XPS analysis, Fe sulfide (FeS) and Cu sulfide (Cu 2 S) were the major products after removal experiments. Regeneration experimental results also indicated that the Cu-contaminated soils can be regenerated by pass air and thus be reused for many times.