Government will map metals under public land, share maps with mining firms.

What it does

The bill tells the U.S. Geological Survey to use quantum gravity gradiometry. This new tool finds metals buried under public land. The survey will cover at least three priority areas. Maps will be shared with mining firms and the public. Within two years, the agency will report to Congress on what it found. It will also say if the new tool works better than old methods.

Who it affects

Mining and exploration firms will get free maps showing where metals are buried. The public will see the maps too. The country may rely less on foreign metal supplies.

One thing to notice

The bill requires the agency to give survey data to mining firms. It does not require firms to pay or share profits. It does not require permission from tribes or the public before mining starts.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

2 cosponsors: 1 Democrats, 1 Republicans.

• Jul 13, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Jul 13, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources · Congress.gov: “Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources”
• Jul 21, 2026 — Hearing held · Congress.gov: “Subcommittee Hearings Held”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• quantum gravity gradiometry — A new sensing tool that finds metals deep underground using quantum physics.
• public land — Land owned by the U.S. government, not by states or private people.
• survey — A careful study or search to find and map something.