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HR 9646

Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Salud Carbajal and 2 co-sponsors

The bill would require a quantum-enhanced geophysical survey program to identify and map domestic critical mineral deposits on or near Federal lands, integrating results into the E

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Bill Summary · HR 9646

Overview

HR 9646, the Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026, would require the Secretary of the Interior (through the U.S. Geological Survey) to establish and carry out a quantum-enhanced geophysical survey program focused on identifying and characterizing domestic critical mineral and rare earth element deposits on or near Federal lands. The act emphasizes using quantum gravity gradiometry (including cold-atom interferometry) to improve subsurface detection and to integrate results into the Earth MRI data framework, with an emphasis on private-sector cooperation and coordination with states.

Purpose and intent

  • To advance discovery and characterization of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the United States using advanced quantum sensing technologies.
  • To compare quantum-enabled survey data against traditional geophysical methods, quantifying improvements in resolution, depth penetration, and deposit characterization.
  • To enhance public data accessibility and spur private sector investment in domestic critical mineral development.
  • To inform potential regulatory or permitting reforms to accelerate domestic mineral development where surveys identify promising resources.

Key provisions

  • Definitions:
    • Critical minerals: as defined in the Energy Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a)).
    • Earth MRI: the United States Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.
    • Quantum gravity gradiometry: use of quantum systems (e.g., cold-atom interferometry) to measure gravitational field gradients for detecting subsurface density variations.
    • Rare earth element: the 17 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.
    • Secretary: the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the USGS.
  • Quantum-enhanced critical minerals survey (Section 3):
    • Timeline: within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must establish and begin the program.
    • Focus areas: conduct mobile quantum gravity gradiometry surveys over at least 3 priority focus areas identified under Earth MRI, prioritizing western rare earth element zones.
    • Data comparison: compare quantum gravity gradiometry results with existing classical geophysical data for improved detection, resolution, depth, and deposit characterization.
    • Data integration: incorporate all survey data into the Earth MRI national minerals database and ensure public accessibility in compatible formats.
    • Interagency coordination: coordinate with DOE and relevant national laboratories (including the National Laboratory of the Rockies).
    • Private sector engagement: to the maximum extent practicable, perform surveys under cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms to leverage investment and reduce Federal costs.
    • State coordination: consult with and coordinate with State Geological Surveys in selecting focus areas and interpreting results.
    • Industry access: publicly released survey data shall be provided to mining and mineral exploration companies to stimulate private investment in domestic mineral development.
  • Report to Congress (Section 4):
    • Timing: due within 24 months of enactment to both the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
    • Contents: detailed survey areas and methodologies, identified or characterized minerals and approximate deposit locations and depths, comparative metrics between quantum and classical data, assessment of reducing speculative drilling, private-sector interest and investment, scalability recommendations for quantum-enabled capabilities within Earth MRI, potential regulatory or legislative changes to accelerate permitting, and a cost-benefit analysis comparing federal investment to the estimated economic value of identified deposits.

Who and what is affected

  • Federal level: Secretary of the Interior (USGS) leads the program, with coordination roles for the Department of Energy and its national laboratories.
  • Geography: focus areas are to be selected within regions associated with Western rare earth element zones and other prioritized areas on or near Federal lands.
  • Private sector: mining and mineral exploration companies would gain access to publicly released survey data to guide investment and development opportunities; potential for private firms to participate via cooperative R&D agreements.
  • States: State Geological Surveys are to be consulted and coordinated with in selecting focus areas and interpreting results.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Effective date is not stated, but the program must be established within 180 days of enactment.
  • The required Congress-facing report is due within 24 months of enactment.
  • Data disclosures are contingent on subsection (b)(3) and must be compatible with existing Earth MRI platforms.
  • The act envisions ongoing collaboration with DOE labs and potential private sector partnerships under cooperative agreements.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Advancing quantum sensing could improve detection capabilities for subsurface mineral deposits, potentially reducing exploration risk and speeding domestic mineral development.
  • Public data availability aims to balance transparency with incentives for private investment.
  • The bill contemplates a funding approach leveraging private investment to minimize federal cost, which could influence the speed and scale of deployment.
  • Regulatory and permitting implications could be explored in the required Congress report, potentially informing future modernization efforts for mineral project approvals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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