Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill requires the Interior Department to use advanced quantum sensors to find valuable minerals underground. These sensors measure tiny changes in gravity to see deep beneath the surface and identify deposits of rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
• The program will focus on at least three priority areas, specifically targeting rare earth zones in the Western United States. The goal is to create more accurate maps than current technology allows, helping to find resources that are currently hidden.
• All data collected will be shared with the public and private mining companies. By providing better maps, the government hopes to reduce the need for expensive and risky guesswork drilling, making it easier for companies to invest in American mining.
• The Interior Department must work with the Department of Energy and private tech companies to carry out these surveys. This collaboration aims to use the latest technology while keeping costs down for taxpayers.
• Within two years, officials must report back to Congress on what they found. This report will include how much better the quantum tech worked compared to old methods and whether it helped speed up the process for getting mining permits.

Impact Analysis

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