An improved process for reducing sulfur oxide emissions from the combustion of coal is disclosed wherein a fuel mixture comprising calcium-containing sorbent and coal is fed to the burners and sulfur oxides react with calcium from the sorbent in a high temperature sulfur capture region, followed by additional sulfur capture in a lower temperature, high humidity sulfur capture region prior to separation of particulates from the flue gas. Sulfur capture using calcium-containing sorbents can be combined with aggressive coal beneficiation techniques to further enhance reduction of sulfur oxide emissions. The process of the invention provides a process for reducing sulfur oxides that efficiently uses calcium-containing sorbents to enhance sulfur capture while reducing the need for expensive equipment or process modifications.