MnO nanoparticles (6 nm) were supported on mesoporous spinel Co3O4 and studied using ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) during hydrogenation of CO. The nature and evolution of surface adsorbed species as well as the oxidation states of the metal oxide surfaces were evaluated under oxidizing, reducing, and H2 + CO (2:1) reaction atmospheres. From APXPS, MnO nanoparticle surfaces were found to be progressively reduced in H2 atmospheres with increasing temperature. Surface adsorbed CO was found to be formed at the expense of lattice O under H2 + CO reaction conditions. In situ XAS indicated that the dominant oxide species were Co(OH)2, Co (II) oxides, MnO, and Mn3O4 under reaction conditions. In situ XAS also indicated the formation of gas phase CO2, the disappearance of lattice O, and the further reduction of Mn3O4 to MnO upon prolonged reaction in H2 + CO. Mass spectroscopy measurements showed the formation of CO2 and hydrocarbons. The spent catalyst was investigated using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy; the catalyst grains were found to be homogeneous.