Core Viewpoint - Marathon Fusion claims to have developed a method to convert mercury into gold using nuclear fusion, potentially doubling revenue for fusion power plants [1][5]. Group 1: Technology Overview - The technology is based on existing fusion principles, utilizing high-energy neutrons to convert mercury-198 into mercury-197, which decays into stable gold-197 [2]. - The process does not reduce the power output or tritium breeding capabilities of the fusion plant [3]. Group 2: Commercial Potential - Each gigawatt of fusion power capacity is estimated to produce gold worth approximately equal to its electricity revenue, potentially doubling the plant's income [5]. - The global annual gold production is around 3,500 tons, and the company believes the gold produced from fusion can be absorbed by the market without affecting gold prices [6]. Group 3: Challenges and Considerations - The main challenge is the potential radioactivity of the produced gold due to the presence of other mercury isotopes, requiring a storage period of 14 to 18 years for safety [9]. - While particle accelerators have previously synthesized gold, the yield has been minimal and costly [9]. - The technology could also be applied to produce other precious metals, but gold is seen as the most viable option due to market size [10]. Group 4: Industry Context - The commercialization of nuclear fusion still faces significant technical challenges, with no fusion experiment yet producing more energy than consumed, although private investment is increasing optimism in the field [11].

Core Viewpoint - The governments of Japan and the UK are set to sign a memorandum to collaborate on the development of nuclear fusion power generation technology, aiming for practical power generation demonstrations in the 2030s [1][2]. Group 1: Collaboration Details - The collaboration will integrate the UK's remote-operated robotic technology for reactor maintenance with Japan's manufacturing capabilities [1]. - The agreement will cover areas such as research and development, shared facilities, safety regulatory frameworks, and talent training [1]. - The meeting to sign the agreement will take place on June 19 in London between Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the UK's climate change strategy representative [1]. Group 2: Strategic Goals - Japan's revised "Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy" aims for global leadership with practical power generation demonstrations in the 2030s [1]. - Japan has chosen the UK as its first partner to accelerate the development of nuclear fusion technology [1]. Group 3: UK Expertise - The UK possesses significant experience in reactor management and has been at the forefront of using remote-operated robots for the maintenance of nuclear fusion research facilities [2]. - The UK has also provided assistance in using remote robots for decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant [2].