H.R. 9646, the Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026, received a congressional hearing on July 21, 2026.
H.R. 9646 — Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026
What it does
This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey to use quantum gravity gradiometry—a cutting-edge sensing technology—to map critical minerals and rare earth elements on federal lands. The government will conduct surveys in at least three priority areas, share the resulting maps publicly with mining companies, and report back to Congress within two years on what was found and whether the technology works better than traditional methods.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026 a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
H.R. 9646 received a congressional hearing. Next step: committee markup.
Who is behind it
Filed by Jeff Hurd. Cosponsored by Gabe Evans and Salud Carbajal.