Australia’s mining sector is examining how quantum sensing could strengthen exploration capability and improve efficiency, as industry, research and government leaders gathered at the Quantum Australia Conference in Sydney.
Discussions at the conference focused on how quantum technologies could reinforce Australia’s position in mineral exploration, particularly through improved subsurface imaging and data-driven decision-making in a sector valued at $235 billion, as stated in a media release.
According to Quantum Australia, early applications are already emerging, including CSIRO’s LANDTEM system, which is being used internationally to improve the detection of mineral deposits.
The organisation said speakers also explored how quantum sensing could support the discovery of critical minerals, reduce exploration costs, and lower environmental impacts by reducing reliance on extensive drilling.
Quantum Australia noted that industry use cases discussed at the event included improved geological modelling, more precise detection of underground structures, and integration with existing artificial intelligence tools used in exploration and operations.
The conference, which brought together about 900 investors, policymakers and industry leaders, also highlighted early commercial activity from Australian companies developing quantum sensing technologies.
Nomad Atomics was cited as developing sensors capable of detecting subsurface structures through gravity and magnetic field measurements, while Teraglo outlined efforts to integrate quantum sensing into exploration workflows for mineral detection and mapping.
Petra Andrén, CEO of Quantum Australia, said quantum sensing is among the earliest practical applications of the technology for industry use.
“For the resources sector, quantum sensing represents one of the earliest and most practical applications of quantum technology, with the potential to transform how mineral deposits are identified and characterised,” Andrén said.
She added that Australia was well placed to benefit from the technology but would need coordinated action across sectors.
“Australia has both the geological advantage and the technical capability, but capturing that opportunity will depend on how quickly industry moves from exploration to deployment and how effectively research, industry, and government are aligned to support that transition,” she said.
Dr Larry Marshall, Chairman at Fortescue, said improved measurement capability was central to mining efficiency and sustainability.
“Mining is fundamentally a measurement problem – where is the ore, how do you extract it efficiently, and how do you minimise waste. Quantum improves that measurement layer,” Marshall said. “You can’t optimise what you can’t measure and quantum changes what we can measure.”
He added that the earliest impact would likely be in sensing applications. “Better measurement means you move less rock, use less energy, lower your C1 costs, and reduce emissions at the same time. That’s why the first impact of quantum in mining will come from sensing, not computing,” he said.
BHP Ventures Head of Portfolio Strategy Melissa Bergin said quantum sensing could improve exploration decision-making by increasing the quality of subsurface data.
“The subsurface is where the value lives, but it’s also where the uncertainty lies,” Bergin said. “It’s not practical or financially feasible to drill in many locations to find new Tier-1 deposits.”
She said emerging sensing tools could expand the scale and speed of exploration. “Once sensors are light, rugged, and stable enough to fly, they can scan vast areas far faster, with far fewer constraints around access and logistics,” Bergin said.
Quantum Australia said similar developments are emerging globally, as resources companies and technology providers assess how quantum sensing could improve discovery rates and reduce exploration risk, particularly for deposits that are difficult to identify using conventional methods.
