In a bold fusion of modern science and ancient alchemy, San Francisco-based startup Marathon Fusion has announced a revolutionary method to transform mercury into gold using nuclear fusion technology. The company, founded in 2023, claims this process could generate massive revenue alongside clean energy production, potentially transforming the fusion industry.
At the heart of the breakthrough is a technique that harnesses high-energy neutrons produced during deuterium-tritium fusion reactions. These neutrons bombard mercury-198 isotopes, converting them into mercury-197, which then decays into stable gold-197 over about 64 hours. According to Marathon’s recently published paper, a gigawatt-scale fusion plant could produce up to 5,000 kilograms of gold annually—worth approximately $600 million at current market prices—without interfering with electricity generation.
The company was co-founded by Adam Rutkowski, a former SpaceX engineer with expertise in advanced propulsion systems, and Kyle Schiller, a science policy fellow who previously worked on energy innovation initiatives. Rutkowski, who serves as CEO, emphasized the scalability of the method, stating it represents “a pragmatically achievable path to economic viability in fusion.” Schiller, focusing on policy and grants, helped secure $4 million from the US Department of Energy, complementing $5.9 million in private funding.
Scientists have reacted with intrigue but caution. Dr. Ahmed Diallo, a prominent plasma physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory under the US Department of Energy, described the paper as “promising” and noted it has generated significant interest in the field. However, he stressed the need for peer review, as the research remains unverified. Malcolm Handley, an investor from Strong Atomics and a fusion industry veteran, praised the economic modeling, suggesting gold production could double plant revenues and accelerate fusion commercialization.
Despite the excitement, challenges persist. Some gold output is radioactive, requiring 14-18 years of storage for safety. Isotope enrichment for mercury-198 adds costs, and the process builds on unproven commercial fusion tech. This isn’t entirely new—CERN scientists have observed similar transmutations in particle accelerators—but Marathon aims for practical scale.
If validated, this could disrupt gold markets and boost fusion as a dual energy-resource solution. As Rutkowski put it, it’s the dawn of “a new golden age” for science and economics.
