This decision follows social unrest that erupted last  June 11 ,2025 in Batouri, where demonstrators protested with placards against the site's exploitation by Jam's Avenir and its technical and financial partner, Codias .The Kambelé site has been at the center of multiple controversies, particularly following its illegal exploitation by Chinese companies. These companies, having acquired artisanal permits from local residents, were conducting semi-mechanized operations, typically reserved for Cameroonian companies under the Mining Code. Some Chinese firms faced court convictions for these irregularities. In response, the Ministry of Mines suspended activities on the site before allowing operations to resume, urging Jam's Avenir to address local community concerns. The recent decision to officially entrust exploitation to artisanal miners marks a significant shift in managing this strategic deposit. However, it may lead to a legal battle, as Jam's Avenir considers suing the Cameroonian state for compensation, Jam's Avenue,sole active exploration permit for the site since August 2024 and claims to have invested hundreds of millions of CFA francs in comprehensive studies for a project agreement awaiting government approval

CK