Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

This bill would require the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Geological Survey, to set up a program within 180 days to survey for critical minerals and rare earth elements on or near federal lands using quantum gravity sensing technology. The surveys would cover at least 3 priority areas from the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, with priority to western rare earth zones, and compare the results with older survey methods. The data would be added to a public national minerals database and provided to mining companies. The Secretary would work with the Department of Energy, state geological surveys, and private firms, and report to Congress within 24 months on results, costs, and recommendations, including on mineral permitting.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Jeff Hurd Republican sponsor
• 2 cosponsors