The CO(2) reforming of coke oven gas for the production of synthesis gas has been studied over an activated carbon, an in-lab prepared Ni/Al(2)O(3) catalyst and physical mixtures of both materials in different proportions (AC + Ni) at 800 degrees C. It was found that there are two possible coexisting reaction pathways: the direct dry reforming of methane (decomposition of methane followed by gasification of the carbon deposits) and the reverse water gas shift reaction followed by the steam reforming of methane. If the process is carried out with the physical mixtures AC + Ni, there is a synergetic effect between both materials. The experimental conversions are higher than the conversions predicted by the law of mixtures, whereas the production of water is lower, resulting in a higher selectivity. The mixtures also showed a lower loss of porosity than when the activated carbon and the in-lab prepared Ni/Al(2)O(3) were used individually. Therefore, the combination of these materials may produce catalysts that are more resistant to deactivation. The synthesis gas obtained was analyzed and it was found suitable for the production of methanol. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.