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In May 2025, CERN scientists reported creating nearly 86 billion gold nuclei through lead collisions, resulting in 29 picograms of gold. Founded in 2023 in San Francisco, Marathon Fusion claims to enhance alchemy with nuclear fusion.

Their unverified research outlines a process involving a tokamak, where they propose introducing mercury-198, which could be transformed into stable gold-197 using fast neutrons from deuterium and tritium fusion. The company estimates a 1 GW reactor could produce up to 5,000 kg of gold annually, valued at approximately €582 million.

However, the resulting gold would remain radioactive for up to 18 years before being safe. Despite raising nearly €10 million and receiving positive feedback from experts, the viability of nuclear fusion remains unproven, and potential impacts on tokamak operations must be assessed.