A long life culture and mageu with a long shell life were produced. Research on the genetic manipulation of yeasts is done in some academic centres in collaboration with several industries. Most companies in the food sector consider biotechnology, especially recombinant DNA, to be outside the scope of their activities given the country's small markets and limited resources. However, in some fields, such as the sugar, fermentation and flavour industries, biotechnological processes are used. Mining and minerals.
Much research is conducted in the area of biomining.
The Biox process for the biotechnological extraction of gold from arsenopyrite ores was developed in South Africa. The technology has the advantage of being less energy consuming and more environmentally friendly than previously used processes. Current research is aimed at improving the process still further and developing techniques for rapid recovery of biological activity following power failures or accidents. Chemical, pharmaceutical and medical sectors . Biotechnological applications focus mainly on chemicals for field crops, horticulture and animal use, and pharmaceuticals for human and animal health.