Sponsors (3)
Directs USGS to start quantum gravity gradiometry surveys for critical minerals/rare earths, publish results in the Earth MRI database, and report findings to Congress within 24 months.
The bill accelerates development and adoption of quantum-enabled geological mapping to improve domestic critical-mineral discovery and transparency, but that increased information and federal support risks faster local development, environmental and community impacts, and raises fiscal and fairness concerns.
Domestic miners, manufacturers, and policymakers gain access to standardized, higher-resolution Earth MRI and survey data that make it easier to locate likely critical mineral and rare-earth deposits and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.
Scientists, national labs, and exploration firms get federal support to test, validate, and adopt quantum sensing (e.g., quantum gravity gradiometry), accelerating development of more accurate subsurface mapping tools and leveraging private R&D through cooperative agreements.
Clear statutory definitions and a specified implementation authority (DOI acting through the USGS Director) give USGS scientists and resource planners consistent terminology and streamlined administrative authority for coordinating mapping and resource assessments.
Rural communities and local governments face increased development pressure and higher risk of environmental harm, land-use conflict, speculative claims, and infrastructure strain as publicly available, high-resolution survey data and follow-on reports make likely deposits easier and more attractive to develop.
Federal spending to establish quantum survey programs, integrate data, and prepare a detailed report will impose fiscal costs and redirect agency staff time and resources, potentially diverting funds from other programs.
Cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) with private quantum firms could create perceived or actual preferential access and commercialization of data, raising fairness concerns among other companies and stakeholders.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Official title: To require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a quantum-enhanced critical minerals survey, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 13, 2026 by Jeff Hurd · Last progress July 13, 2026
Creates a USGS program to run quantum gravity gradiometry surveys to find and characterize critical mineral and rare earth deposits on or next to Federal lands, integrate results into the Earth MRI national minerals database, coordinate with DOE labs and State Geological Surveys, and encourage public release and private cooperation. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to start the program within 180 days and to deliver a detailed program report to relevant congressional committees within 24 months, including comparisons to classical surveys, economic estimates, cost–benefit analysis, and recommendations for scaling and permitting reforms.