The present invention relates to a heterogeneous
ruthenium catalyst, which comprises elemental
ruthenium supported on
activated carbon carrier, where the catalyst has a total pore volume in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 ml / g, in particular in the range of 0.35 to 0.5 ml / g, and where pores having a
pore diameter in the range of 10 to 200 nm contribute at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, especially at least 70%, to the total pore volume of the heterogeneous
ruthenium catalyst. The present invention also relates to a process for the production of gamma-valerlactone, which comprises a hydrogenation of an
levulinic acid or
alkyl levulinate, such as
methyl levulinate or
ethyl levulinate, with
hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous
ruthenium catalyst, which comprises elemental ruthenium supported on
activated carbon carrier, where the catalyst has a total pore volume in the range of 0.3 to 0.6 ml / g, and where pores having a
pore diameter in the range of 10 to 200 nm contribute at least 50% to the total pore volume of the heterogeneous
ruthenium catalyst.