San Francisco, July 2025 — In a stunning development from the world of science and technology, California-based fusion energy startup Marathon Fusion has claimed it has discovered a method to transform mercury into gold using nuclear fusion. The process, long considered the stuff of alchemical legend, may now be inching toward scientific reality.

⚛️ The Process: Nuclear Transmutation

According to Marathon Fusion’s preprint research paper (not yet peer-reviewed), the company uses nuclear transmutation, a technique that alters the nucleus of an atom to convert one element into another. Specifically:

• Mercury-198 is bombarded with high-energy neutrons inside a fusion reactor
• This creates Mercury-197, an unstable isotope
• Mercury-197 then decays into Gold-197, the only stable isotope of gold

The process reportedly takes about 64 hours and relies on the neutron flux generated by fusing deuterium and tritium, two hydrogen isotopes.

⚡ Energy and Gold — A Dual Output

Marathon Fusion claims that this gold-making process does not interfere with energy generation. In fact, a 1-gigawatt fusion reactor could produce:

• 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds) of gold annually
• Alongside continuous electricity production

This could potentially double the revenue of a fusion plant — selling both power and precious metals.

☢️ Safety Concerns

While the gold produced is chemically stable, it may contain radioactive isotopes. The company estimates that the gold would need to be stored for 14 to 18 years before it becomes safe for commercial use.

🔮 Beyond Gold: A Materials Revolution?

Marathon Fusion suggests that the same transmutation process could be used to manufacture:

• Palladium
• Medical isotopes
• Components for nuclear batteries

If successful, fusion plants could evolve into multi-purpose facilities, producing both clean energy and high-value materials.

🧪 Still a Concept — But Intriguing

Experts remain cautiously optimistic. While the idea is theoretically sound, it is based on digital simulations and has not yet been tested in a commercial fusion reactor. Fusion energy itself remains a technological challenge, with no reactor yet achieving net energy output.

Still, if Marathon Fusion’s claims hold up, this could revolutionize not just the energy sector, but also the gold market and medical manufacturing.