H.R. 9646: Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to create and run a program using quantum gravity gradiometry to help find and describe critical mineral and rare earth element deposits, mainly on or near federal land.

What the program would do

• Within 180 days after enactment, the USGS would have to start a new survey program.
• The program would use quantum-based geophysical tools, such as cold-atom interferometry, to measure changes in gravity that can indicate what is underground.
• The surveys would focus on at least 3 critical-minerals target areas already identified under the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), with priority for western rare earth element zones.
• The new data would be compared with older, more traditional geophysical survey data to see whether the quantum method gives better results in terms of resolution, depth, and identifying deposits.
• All survey data would be added to the Earth MRI minerals database and made publicly available in a format that works with existing Earth MRI platforms.
• The USGS would coordinate with the Department of Energy and relevant national laboratories.
• The agency would be encouraged, where practical, to work with private quantum-sensing companies through cooperative research and development agreements to help reduce federal costs.
• The Secretary would also consult with state geological surveys when choosing survey areas and interpreting results.
• The publicly released data would also be shared with mining and mineral exploration companies to support private investment in domestic mineral development.

Reporting requirement

Within 24 months, the Secretary would have to submit a report to Congress describing the survey program. The report would need to cover:

• where surveys were done and what equipment and methods were used;
• which critical minerals or rare earth elements were identified, along with estimated locations, depths, and possible economic value;
• how the quantum surveys compared with traditional surveys, including accuracy, depth, and cost per area;
• whether the new method could reduce the need for exploratory drilling;
• whether public release of the data led to private-sector interest or investment;
• recommendations for expanding the approach across the Earth MRI program;
• any suggested legal or regulatory changes to speed up permitting in areas identified by the surveys; and
• a cost-benefit analysis comparing federal spending on the program with the estimated value of the deposits found.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would have the federal government test a newer surveying technology to improve maps of underground critical mineral resources. The goal is to better identify where important minerals may be located, share that information publicly, and potentially support future mining and exploration decisions.

Relevant Companies

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