A method for the production of catalytically active coatings on shaped articles of aluminum oxide for the production of hydrogen cyanide according to the BMA method. A suspension is used for the coating which suspension contains at least one platinum metal and aluminum in finely divided elementary form in a carrier liquid. According to especially preferred embodiments, the suspension additionally contains glass frits or organic silicon compounds. After the moistening of the shaped article and evaporation of the carrier liquid, the catalyst is formed during heating to 1000.degree. to 1350.degree. C. in the presence of nitrogen and/or ammonia.Essential advantages of the method over the previously known method of coating with solutions of Pt and Al compounds are: the application of different coating thicknesses are possible in a single coating stage, the previously-necessary hydrogenation stage after each impregnation is eliminated and the health risk is reduced.