Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

The term critical mineral has the meaning given to that term in section 7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a)).

The term Earth MRI means the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative of the United States Geological Survey.

The term quantum gravity gradiometry means the use of quantum mechanical systems, including cold-atom interferometry, to measure spatial gradients of gravitational fields for the purpose of detecting subsurface density variations.

The term rare earth element means any of the 17 metallic elements consisting of the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, which are a special subset of critical minerals.

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a program to conduct original quantum-enhanced geophysical surveys to improve upon existing United States Geological Survey data for the discovery and characterization of critical mineral and rare earth element deposits on or adjacent to Federal lands.

In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1) conduct mobile quantum gravity gradiometry surveys over not fewer than 3 priority critical minerals focus areas identified under the Earth MRI program, with priority given to focus areas in the western rare earth element zones;

(2) compare quantum gravity gradiometry data with existing classical geophysical survey data from the same focus areas to quantify detection improvements in resolution, depth penetration, and mineral deposit characterization;

(3) integrate all survey data into the Earth MRI national minerals database and make such data publicly accessible in a format compatible with existing Earth MRI data platforms;

(4) coordinate with the Secretary of Energy, acting through the directors of relevant Department of Energy national laboratories, including the National Laboratory of the Rockies; and

(5) to the maximum extent practicable, carry out surveys under cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms to leverage private sector investment and reduce Federal costs.

The Secretary shall consult and coordinate with the State Geological Surveys of affected States in selecting survey focus areas and interpreting survey results.

Survey data made publicly available under subsection (b)(3) shall be provided to mining and mineral exploration companies to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development.

Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the quantum-enhanced geophysical survey program established under section 3.

The report required under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) a description of each survey area, the quantum gravity gradiometry instruments deployed, and the survey methodologies used;

(2) a summary of critical minerals and rare earth elements identified or characterized in each survey area, including estimated deposit locations, depths, and potential economic significance;

(3) a quantitative comparison of quantum gravity gradiometry results against classical geophysical survey results from the same areas, including metrics for detection resolution, subsurface depth penetration, and cost per unit area surveyed;

(4) an assessment of the potential for quantum gravity gradiometry to reduce speculative drilling requirements in domestic critical minerals exploration;

(5) an analysis of private sector interest in and investment resulting from publicly released survey data;

(6) recommendations for scaling quantum-enhanced geophysical survey capabilities across the Earth MRI program nationally;

(7) any legislative or regulatory changes the Secretary recommends to accelerate domestic critical mineral permitting in areas identified by the surveys; and

(8) a cost-benefit analysis comparing the Federal investment under this Act with the estimated economic value of critical mineral deposits identified.