Helical Fusion and MITSUI KINZOKU Enter into Joint Development Agreement for Fusion Reactor Blanket
- naho yoshimura
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Helical Fusion has signed a joint development agreement with MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD. (Common name: MITSUI KINZOKU) for the development of a fusion reactor blanket—a key component for commercial power-generating fusion reactors.
The blanket system, shown in green in the conceptual image of Helical Fusion’s reactor, plays a critical role in energy extraction, fuel breeding, and radiation shielding.
Why Blanket Development Matters
Helical Fusion’s helical-stellarator fusion reactor builds on more than 70 years of research conducted at the National Institute for Fusion Science in Japan, one of the world's leading fusion research institutions. From both plasma physics and reactor design perspectives, the reactor has already cleared most technical hurdles for practical implementation. However, one of the few remaining challenges is the development of the fusion blanket.
The blanket must fulfill multiple complex functions, but no fully implemented system exists anywhere in the world today due to its high technical difficulty.
Through this collaboration, Helical Fusion will combine its deep expertise in reactor design with MITSUI KINZOKU’s advanced materials development capabilities to accelerate progress toward the world’s first functioning fusion blanket system.
About MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD. (MITSUI KINZOKU)
Founded in 1950, MITSUI KINZOKU is a global leader in non-ferrous metal smelting and materials innovation. Its business portfolio includes functional materials, electronic components, resource development, precious metals recycling, advanced materials, and automotive parts manufacturing and sales. With the purpose of “We promote the well-being of the world through a spirit of exploration and diverse technologies,” the company actively promotes open innovation in emerging fields. In 2023, MITSUI KINZOKU made a strategic investment in Helical Fusion through its corporate venture capital arm, laying the groundwork for this deeper partnership.