Other industries such as mining are already benefiting from biotechnology. Bioleaching is a common technology in developing countries’ mines. The small mining sector, often targeting small mineral deposits, could use bioleaching technology to improve the quality of the final products and reduce waste associated with mechanical cracking. In other cases, amethyst, agate, diamond and gold mining still use harmful chemicals. Finding biotechnological solutions will increase the value and earnings from this sector, as well as reduce environmental degradation.
The leather and textiles industries have been among the major environmental polluting industries. The use of enzymes will reduce industrial discharge through recycling of water, cut down the electrical and water bills and improve the quality of the final products. Plants need not be rebuilt, but simple adjustments and replacement of harsh chemicals with biological systems are sufficient. With minor additions, enzymes and microbes could easily be produced locally. With a reduced clean-up bill, increased earnings and turnover, the industry will be s et to become competitive.
Paper production plants in some developing countries have either been closed or are uncompetitive. However, biotechnology presents this sector with many advantages that were never available before. The use of microbes and enzymes could replace chemicals, resulting in water and heat savings and improved quality of paper. Genetic engineering may produce designer wood that will grow faster and, when processed, require few steps, resulting in extra savings and improved quality of paper. Many of the paper manufacturing plants that are currently uncompetitive could soon become exporters of paper.
The most promising areas for many developing countries will lie in approaches that add more value to their raw materials. For example, technologies that will convert cassava into export products (e.g. plastics, sweeteners or fibres) will empower many poor farmers who currently do not have an international market for their products.
These fibres or polymers will be used to generate bags, plates and other utensils that have a higher value than the raw materials. Biotechnology could present a means by which to indirectly market products that are currently difficult to sell. With a market for tubers, their production could exceed that of cereals in no time, in many developing countries.
Another promising application for developing countries lies in the conversion of waste into useful products. Specifically, food waste may be broken down into amino acids, fuels and fertilizers that would benefit the rural and urban poor. Unlike the pharmaceutical industry, many developing countries could easily enter this market.
