Old School Meets New School: Critical Minerals Used In Quantum Computing

It is not every day that the rough-and-tumble "giga" world of mining and mineral refining interacts with the rarefied and metaphysical "nano" realm of quantum physics. The lawyers at Pillsbury and other law firms engaged in each endeavor rarely darken each other's doors. But the streams are indeed converging today, as rare earths and related critical materials have been found to be uniquely suited for developments in quantum computing.

The quirky theories and discoveries of particle physics have transfixed fiction writers and real-life scientists for decades. With the recent, rapid exploration of quantum computing, some of these ideas are shifting from fantasy into practical application. Researchers and investors see a future where super-charged computers will break barriers in industries like finance, automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals and many more. The quantum computing market is expected to grow by around 30% by 2029.