As the human race moves toward establishing long-term settlements on the Moon and Mars, in
situ resource utilisation (ISRU) will be critical for sustainable human presence, enabling the
exploitation of the local materials to reduce reliance on Earth-based resources [1,2]. Fungal
biomining offers a dual advantage in ISRU, mobilising construction-relevant elements (e.g.
calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminium) and plant nutrients (e.g. nitrates, phosphorus and
potassium, NPK) from these planetary regoliths while tolerating nutrient-poor but mineral-rich
conditions of extraterrestrial surfaces. We are investigating the growth performance of three
filamentous fungi—Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and Rhizopus oligosporus—on lunar
(LMS-1E) and Martian (MMS-1) regolith simulants, alongside a nutrient-deficient sand control.
Fungi are cultivated on agarose-based plate cultures across a substrate concentration gradient,
with growth quantified by radial expansion and biomass accumulation. We hypothesise that
fungal growth will vary significantly between regolith types and concentrations, with A. niger
exhibiting superior tolerance and biomass yield due to its metabolic versatility and acid
production capacity [3]. Growth is expected to be reduced in undiluted high-metal simulants,
particularly LMS-1E, and minimal on sand controls due to low nutrient content. Future work will
quantify the bioleaching potential of each fungus-substrate combination by determining the
solubilised elements of agricultural and industrial relevance. These insights will guide the
strategic selection of fungal species and cultivation parameters for integrated ISRU–space
agriculture systems, advancing the development of closed-loop life support and sustainable
extraterrestrial construction.