The present invention relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream. The method is characterized in that at a temperature above 170 C. the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent that as the active component is comprised of a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds. According to a preference, the sorbent is kaolin, that may or may not be in the dehydrated form of meta-kaolin and is optionally obtained by thermal conversion of a material chosen from paper waste or residue from the paper industry. By this method it is possible to remove mercury at temperatures higher than room temperature. The invention also relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent at a temperature above 50 C., which sorbent comprises as active substance a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds, as well as with an oxidator. The invention also relates to a mercury-comprising sorbent obtained by this method and products manufactured therewith.