The global transition towards electrification will require tremendous growth in the production of critical materials, and biotechnology is providing new solutions to this grand challenge. Metal oxidizing bacteria are critically important for the hydrometallurgical processing of copper, gold, and other sulfidic ores. More than 20% of the world’s copper production involves microbial oxidation of minerals in the world’s largest bioreactors. We have pioneered the development of genetic tools for the engineering and application of the iron and sulfur oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic acidophile, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. We gained new insights into their unique physiology and engineered them for new traits including accelerated growth, enhanced bioleaching, salt tolerance, and critical material reclamation. In addition to cells, we are also invested in using biomolecular engineering to improve critical metal binding and separation. We have recently developed a new repeat protein scaffold for rare earth element bioseparations under acidic conditions. Throughout the talk I will highlight the substantial challenges and opportunities that come with the development of biotechnology solutions in this space.