Rare Earth Elements (REE) are highly sought after for their powerful magnetic properties and energy efficient characteristics. REE's must be obtained from the ground in mineral deposits. Conventional methods use sulfuric acid to leach the metals into solution and errors may contribute to the 500,000 U.S abandoned mines. Our bio-mining research, aims to develop natural occurring microorganisms to bio-mine REE at circumneutral pH 5-8, in the Arctic and Space.