The role of metal oxides such as Ga2O3, Al2O3, ZrO2 and Cr2O3 contained in Cu/ZnO-based ternary catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 and H-2 was classified into two categories : to improve the Cu dispersion and to increase the specific activity. The Cu/ZnO-based multicomponent catalysts developed on the basis of the role of metal oxides were highly active and stable for a long period in a continuous methanol synthesis operation.