A Review of Product Development Opportunities in Lesotho's Geological Formations

This paper presents a review of how Lesotho can engage research in science and technology effectively, as a tool for economic development, to generate value-added products using local natural resources, talents and skills in order to create sustainable job opportunities as advocated for by its National Science and Technology Policy. The paper proposes exploitation of various geological formations and deposits together with biomass resources for development and commercialization of innovative products such as artificial marble, glass fibre, geopolymers, Portland cement, high-value ceramic tiles, engineered stone, masonry and decorative cladding, natural fibre composites, bio-fuels and bio-chemicals. It further recommends the establishment of a national laboratory that will not only do research on product development and potential commercialization, but also ensure local private investment.