Scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, are investigating how bacterial spores might be used to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from polluted water sources like acid mine drainage. These elements are essential in technologies such as high-performance magnets, but they are typically found in very low concentrations. The project, called SpoREE (Spore Platform for REE Recovery), uses a combination of biological engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced imaging to design spores that can efficiently capture and bind rare earth ions from liquid waste. Bacterial spores are dormant, tough structures that protect the bacteria's genetic material in harsh environments. Researchers are modifying the surfaces of these spores to display proteins that can specifically bind to REEs. These spores are ideal for this task because they are small, durable, and can survive extreme conditions, including the highly acidic water found in acid mine drainage. Their ability to be engineered, scaled up through fermentation, and customized for different metals makes them a promising tool for environmental remediation and resource recovery. Acid mine drainage is water that becomes highly acidic due to chemical and microbial activity in or near mines, often releasing metals like iron, manganese, and rare earth elements into the water. In regions like Appalachia, where coal mining is widespread, this type of drainage is a significant environmental concern. The challenge lies in extracting the rare earth elements, which are present in very low concentrations compared to other metals. Biological systems, such as the engineered spores, offer a potential solution because proteins can selectively bind to specific metals, allowing for the capture of rare earth elements even when they are diluted among other substances. The SpoREE project has made several key advancements, including the development of analytical tools that can screen multiple biological samples and measure trace amounts of metals. Researchers have also used AI to design proteins that bind to rare earth elements more effectively. These tools are not only advancing the SpoREE project but could also benefit other research in metal recovery. Moving forward, the team will study the system at different scales—from the molecular level of protein-metal interactions to the assembly of spores into larger materials. This research aims to create a customizable platform that could be adapted for capturing various critical materials, such as gallium, in addition to rare earth elements.