Resource utilization of the disposed CaSO 4 waste as an oxygen carrier (OC) in chemical looping combustion (CLC) is of great meaning as a result of its attractive strengths, such as easy availability, low cost, large oxygen capacity, and avoidance of potential environmental harm. In this research, a novel mixed OC of CaSO 4 doped with Ca 2 CuO 3 was first reported and produced using a combined template preparation method. Its reaction behavior with a typical lignite designated as YN was studied, which indicated that doped Ca 2 CuO 3 well enhanced the reactivity of CaSO 4 with YN coal. The CO 2 yield as formed was greatly accelerated, while SO 2 evolved from the CaSO 4 side reactions could be effectively controlled, as expected. Furthermore, the potential oxygen transfer mechanism during the CaSO 4 −Ca 2 CuO 3 mixed OC reaction with YN coal was revealed, wherein elemental Cu derived from reduced Ca 2 CuO 3 could regain lattice oxygen inherent in unreacted CaSO 4 via its melting interface. In situ reoxidized CuO would decompose and emit O 2 for direct combustion of residual char of YN. Then, migration and redistribution of the sulfur species were completely investigated. Added Ca 2 CuO 3 was found to be reduced to CaO and elemental Cu during its reaction with YN, both of which were able to directionally fix gaseous sulfur evolved from CaSO 4 to form CaS and Cu 2 S, respectively. Thus, the gaseous sulfur retention capacity of this mixed OC was much improved. In addition, the prepared CaSO 4 −Ca 2 CuO 3 mixed OC demonstrated good regeneration capacity and strong sintering resistance as well. Overall, the novel CaSO 4 −Ca 2 CuO 3 mixed OC as reported possessed good reactivity and directional fixation of gaseous sulfur, which benefited from simultaneous carbon capture and in situ desulfurization in CLC, and as such is quite attractive for future application.