Ru was deposited on activated C by impregnation with aq. soln. of RuCl2 and redn. with H-2 at 370-430 degrees C for 2-17 h (Ru content 10% by mass) and then used as a catalyst for methanation of CO with H-2 (99.5% by vol.) at 220-270 degrees C in a lab. quartz reactor. The optimum conditions for the catalyst activation were 370 C and 2 h.