Marathon Fusion has announced a novel application of fusion technology that could enable commercial-scale fusion power plants to produce approximately 5,000kg of gold per gigawatt-year of electricity generation, offering a new opportunity to enhance the economic viability of future fusion power stations.

The method uses high-energy neutrons generated by deuterium-tritium fusion to convert mercury-198 into gold. This process reuses neutrons that are essential for sustaining the fusion fuel cycle without reducing power output or breeding ratio. If validated, the innovation would allow fusion plants to generate clean electricity while simultaneously producing high-value gold, potentially doubling the revenue potential of fusion power facilities.

Founded in 2023 by former SpaceX engineer Adam Rutkowski and science policy expert Kyle Schiller, Marathon Fusion focuses on advanced fuel-cycle technologies to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy. The company is backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Breakthrough Energy Fellows, 1517 Fund, and Strong Atomics.

Early reactions from the fusion research community suggest this breakthrough could transform the value proposition of fusion, ease funding constraints for plant development, and accelerate deployment timelines. Additionally, the Marathon Fusion platform hints at significant potential for producing other high-value materials—including palladium, medical isotopes, and nuclear battery components—further expanding the commercial benefits of fusion.