PRIA Logo™
119-hr-9646119th CongressWALLET

Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

In Committee

Summary

Use quantum gravity gradiometry to find and characterize U.S. critical mineral and rare earth deposits. The bill centers on improving detection and depth resolution, integrating results into the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative database, and sharing data to attract private investment.

Show full summary
  • USGS and federal labs: Would create a USGS program to run quantum-enhanced mobile gravity gradiometry surveys in at least three priority focus areas within 180 days, compare quantum and classical survey data, and coordinate with Department of Energy national labs including the National Laboratory of the Rockies.
  • State geological surveys: Requires consultation and coordination with State Geological Surveys when selecting focus areas and interpreting survey results.
  • Private sector and mining companies: Encourages cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms to leverage private investment and reduce Federal costs, and makes survey data publicly available to facilitate private exploration and investment.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Quantum surveys to map critical minerals

If enacted, the Department of the Interior would direct the USGS to start a quantum-enhanced geophysical survey program within 180 days. The program would run mobile quantum gravity gradiometry surveys over at least 3 Earth MRI focus areas, with priority to western rare earth element zones. It would coordinate with the Department of Energy and DOE labs, including the National Laboratory of the Rockies, and consult State Geological Surveys when choosing areas and interpreting results. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary would use cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms and compare quantum survey data with classical surveys to measure detection improvements. All survey data would be added to the Earth MRI national minerals database, made publicly available in compatible formats, and shared with mining and exploration companies.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

CO • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 7/13/2026

  • Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]

    CO • R

    Sponsored 7/16/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation