Core Viewpoint - A recent study suggests a method for mass-producing gold from mercury using nuclear fusion, which could potentially make the transformation from mercury to gold a reality in the near future [3][12]. Group 1: Methodology - The proposed method utilizes high-energy neutrons released during deuterium-tritium fusion reactions to convert mercury-198 into gold-197 [3][10]. - The process involves three steps: neutron capture by mercury-198, transformation to an unstable mercury isotope (mercury-197), and spontaneous decay to gold-197 [8][10]. - The neutron capture step is feasible due to the energy of the neutrons produced in the fusion reaction [10]. Group 2: Technical Requirements - The nuclear fusion reactor must have the capability to breed tritium, which is scarce on Earth, necessitating a special "breeding blanket" made of lithium and neutron-multiplying materials like beryllium or lead [5][6]. - The inclusion of mercury-198 in the breeding blanket is essential for the proposed gold production process [6][8]. Group 3: Production Potential - The theoretical calculations indicate that a 1 gigawatt (1 GW) fusion reactor could produce approximately 2 tons of gold annually [12]. - The transition from mercury-197 to gold-197 occurs rapidly, with a half-life of about 64 hours, suggesting a significant potential for gold production [12].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid advancements in China's private nuclear fusion projects, highlighting the shift from state-controlled nuclear energy to private sector involvement, exemplified by companies like Energy Singularity and New Energy Group [3][5][12]. Group 1: Industry Developments - China's private nuclear fusion projects have gained momentum in the past two years, with significant breakthroughs in technology and engineering capabilities [3][5]. - Energy Singularity's "Honghuang 70" device is set to become the world's first fully high-temperature superconducting tokamak, achieving a magnetic field of 22.4 Tesla, breaking previous records held by U.S. companies [5][19]. - New Energy Group's "Xuanlong-50U" spherical ring hydrogen-boron fusion device has also made significant progress, achieving high-temperature, high-density plasma currents [5][21]. Group 2: Impact of U.S. Export Restrictions - In June, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a suspension of export licenses for critical nuclear power components to China, affecting major suppliers like Westinghouse and Emerson [8][10]. - This restriction has inadvertently benefited private fusion companies in China, allowing them to bypass reliance on traditional nuclear fission components and focus on fusion technologies that can be developed domestically [11][12]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - The precision required for components in nuclear fusion, such as high-temperature superconducting magnets, has improved significantly, allowing Chinese companies to produce these parts domestically at lower costs and higher speeds [15][28]. - The article emphasizes the importance of engineering efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the current climate, where the urgency for clean energy solutions is increasing due to climate change [22][25]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The article compares the progress of Chinese private companies in nuclear fusion with that of U.S. firms, noting that while both are making strides, Chinese companies are currently ahead in terms of technological breakthroughs and project timelines [35][37]. - The main fusion routes being explored include tokamak and inertial confinement fusion, with various sub-paths being tested by different companies, leading to a competitive "race" in the industry [19][40].

Group 1 - Nuclear fusion is expected to become the ultimate energy source for humanity due to its rich energy potential, high energy density, zero emissions, and high fuel availability [2][4] - The technology is still in the laboratory stage, and commercial application requires further breakthroughs [1][3] - Significant investments in nuclear fusion are increasing globally, making it a competitive field among countries [4] Group 2 - The key indicators for measuring nuclear fusion reactions include the product of plasma temperature, atomic density, and confinement time, which must exceed a certain value for ignition [3] - The energy gain factor Q must be greater than 1 to achieve net fusion energy, indicating the feasibility of engineering technology [3] - The main technical routes for nuclear fusion research are magnetic confinement fusion and inertial confinement fusion, with tokamaks being the most widely studied and likely to achieve controllable fusion [5] Group 3 - The magnet system constitutes the largest cost component (28%) in the ITER experimental reactor, highlighting the critical role of superconducting technology [5] - High-temperature superconducting materials, such as REBCO, are expected to become significant components in nuclear fusion, providing stronger magnetic fields and reducing the size and cost of fusion reactors [5] - Companies involved in the development of superconducting materials and fusion technologies are likely to benefit as fusion projects progress [5]