Bill · H.R. 9646· House(119-HR-9646)
Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/13/2026
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Hurd
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026," requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a new survey program. The program focuses on using quantum gravity gradiometry to improve the discovery and characterization of critical mineral and rare earth element deposits. These surveys will take place on or near Federal lands, specifically targeting priority areas identified by the Earth MRI program. The Secretary is tasked with integrating this data into national databases and making it publicly accessible. Additionally, the act requires a detailed report to be submitted to Congress regarding the program's findings and recommendations.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
Mining and mineral exploration companies benefit from the increased data and investment facilitation.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+4
The bill funds new research into quantum gravity gradiometry for geological mapping.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill aims to facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development, which can drive industry growth and jobs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Mineral Discovery: The Secretary will conduct original quantum-enhanced geophysical surveys to improve upon existing data for finding critical mineral and rare earth element deposits (Section 3(a)).
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Increased Data Accessibility: Survey data will be integrated into the Earth MRI national minerals database and made publicly accessible (Section 3(b)(3)).
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Support for Domestic Industry: Survey data will be provided to mining and mineral exploration companies to help facilitate private-sector investment in domestic critical mineral development (Section 3(d)).
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Cost Reduction through Private Partnership: The program aims to leverage private sector investment and reduce Federal costs by carrying out surveys under cooperative research and development agreements with private quantum sensing firms (Section 3(b)(5)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Rural Residents+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2Improves Rural Development+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 7/21/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 7/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.
- 7/13/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Salud CarbajalDemocrat · California
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado