A US-based startup claims to have achieved what alchemists have dreamt of for centuries — the ability to produce real gold in a laboratory. The company says it can generate up to 5,000 kilograms of gold annually through a process that involves bombarding mercury with neutrons in a controlled fusion environment. But is this groundbreaking science or just another case of technological overhype?
Can a US Startup Really Create Gold From Mercury Using Nuclear Fusion?
About the Claim and the Startup Behind It
The story has created a stir across scientific and financial circles. The startup — reportedly backed by private US investors — claims that its fusion reactor can produce high-intensity neutron beams capable of transforming mercury atoms into stable gold isotopes. This process, if commercially viable, could revolutionize the global gold industry and challenge traditional mining economics.
How the Process Allegedly Works
At the core of the claim is a simple yet extraordinary concept — converting one element into another through nuclear transmutation. Here’s how the process is described in scientific terms.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Fusion Reactor | Generates high-energy neutron particles through controlled plasma fusion reactions. |
| 2. Neutron Bombardment | Neutrons collide with mercury atoms, converting mercury-196 into radioactive mercury-197. |
| 3. Radioactive Decay | Mercury-197 undergoes beta decay, turning into stable gold-197, the only naturally occurring isotope of gold. |
While theoretically possible, the practical limitations — including energy consumption, isotope separation, and radiation safety — make large-scale production highly questionable. The startup’s claim of achieving 5,000 kg per year has therefore been met with widespread skepticism among nuclear physicists.
The Physics Behind Elemental Transformation
Economic and Environmental Implications
Moreover, it would raise critical regulatory and ethical questions about synthesizing precious metals artificially. Governments might restrict such practices to preserve market stability and prevent financial disruptions similar to fiat inflation but in the physical commodity domain.
What Experts Are Saying
Scientists from US national laboratories have clarified that even with advanced reactors, the cost of producing 1 gram of lab-made gold would far exceed its market value — potentially costing over $10,000 per gram. This makes the claim of 5,000 kg production both scientifically and economically implausible.
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Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment
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Investor Takeaway
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SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.
