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So the paste dispenser, dishes out paste so the colonists will have energy to accomplish tasks.  How about reversing the polarity.  A food processor that converts food stuff into energy.

Oh wow, when I started reading that, I was sure you were going to finish with "How about a food processor that converts colonists into paste".

Which... might be a decent gameplay idea. In a pinch, draw straws as to who gets to take a trip to the Soylentnator?

Difficult to dig/undiggable rock -- When digging deep into rockface, you might get to areas that are harder or impossible to dig. The limitations could be overcome with higher pickaxe tech.

CB/portable radio tech -- Allows a colonist to have social interactions when not next to other colonists. (Takes up the weapon slot maybe?)

Workbench -- Allows a colonist to improve equippable items, like weapons.

Melee weapons -- Gloves, brass knuckles, bats...