The catalytic potential of a red mud, a waste from alumina production, was evaluated for the oxidation of VOC, in particular toluene. When dried, it consists mainly of Al(OH)(3) and Fe2O3. It was found that red mud calcination under an air stream at 500 degrees C leads to the formation of Al2O3 and Fe2O3, two oxides that are active and CO2 selective in the toluene oxidation reaction. The red mud activity can be correlated directly to the amount of iron in the sampling. Indeed, the chemical reaction specific rate (by gram of Fe2O3) in presence of red mud is similar to that observed in presence of a pure Fe2O3 iron oxide.