This paper focuses in avoiding tar formation and in optimizing pyrolysis gas (maximizing H-2 and CO) in the production of biocoke from waste lignocellulosic biomass. In order to obtain metallurgical grade biochar (biocoke) slow heating rate and high temperature are required. Under such conditions useless pyrolysis liquids, mainly composed of water together with some heavy-sticky tars, are obtained. In order to make biocoke a cost-effective process it is necessary to optimize pyrolysis vapors avoiding tar formation and maximizing the amount and quality of both coke and gases. With this objective, in this work different heating rates (3-20 degrees C min(-1)) and catalysts (zeolite, Ni/CeO2 Al2O3) have been tested in a two step pyrolysis process. Olive tree cuttings have been pyrolyzed in a 3.5 L batch reactor at 750 degrees C and the vapors generated have been thermally and catalytically treated at 900 degrees C in a second tubular reactor. About 25 wt.% biocoke useful as reducing agent in certain metallurgical processes, 57 wt.% gases with near 50 vol.% H-2, and no tar production has been achieved when a heating rate of 3 degrees C min(-1) and the homemade Ni/CeO2 Al2O3 catalyst were used. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.