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Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9646| House 
| Updated: 7/21/2026
Jeff Hurd

Jeff Hurd

Republican Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (2)
Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Gabe Evans (Republican)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to establish a program within 180 days to conduct original quantum-enhanced geophysical surveys . The primary goal is to improve existing data for the discovery and characterization of critical mineral and rare earth element deposits located on or adjacent to Federal lands. These surveys will specifically employ quantum gravity gradiometry over at least three priority critical minerals focus areas identified under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program, with a focus on western rare earth element zones. The program requires comparing the new quantum gravity gradiometry data with existing classical geophysical survey data to quantify improvements in resolution and depth penetration. All collected survey data must be integrated into the Earth MRI national minerals database and made publicly accessible to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development. The Secretary is also mandated to coordinate with the Department of Energy and State Geological Surveys, and to the maximum extent practicable, carry out surveys through cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms. Within 24 months, a report detailing the program's findings, including a cost-benefit analysis and recommendations, must be submitted to Congress.

Bill Text Versions

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Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jul 14, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jul 21, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • July 14, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • July 21, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

Energy

Advanced technology and technological innovationsComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightData collection, sharing, protectionGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsInternet, web applications, social mediaMetals

Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9646| House 
| Updated: 7/21/2026
This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to establish a program within 180 days to conduct original quantum-enhanced geophysical surveys . The primary goal is to improve existing data for the discovery and characterization of critical mineral and rare earth element deposits located on or adjacent to Federal lands. These surveys will specifically employ quantum gravity gradiometry over at least three priority critical minerals focus areas identified under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) program, with a focus on western rare earth element zones. The program requires comparing the new quantum gravity gradiometry data with existing classical geophysical survey data to quantify improvements in resolution and depth penetration. All collected survey data must be integrated into the Earth MRI national minerals database and made publicly accessible to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development. The Secretary is also mandated to coordinate with the Department of Energy and State Geological Surveys, and to the maximum extent practicable, carry out surveys through cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms. Within 24 months, a report detailing the program's findings, including a cost-benefit analysis and recommendations, must be submitted to Congress.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jul 14, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jul 21, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • July 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • July 14, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.


  • July 21, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
Jeff Hurd

Jeff Hurd

Republican Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (2)
Salud O. Carbajal (Democratic)Gabe Evans (Republican)

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Energy

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Advanced technology and technological innovationsComputers and information technologyCongressional oversightData collection, sharing, protectionGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsInternet, web applications, social mediaMetals