Missing radioactive capsule found in Western Australia

The radioactive capsule was a component of a gauge that Rio Tinto used to measure the density of the iron ore feed coming from its remote Gudai-Darri mine in the Kimberley region of the state. The ore was being transported to a location in Perth's suburbs.

The capsule allegedly fell off a truck and landed on the side of the road, according to officials, who added that it was unlikely the region would be contaminated.

Caesium-137, which emits radiation equivalent to 10 X-rays per hour, is contained in a silver capsule that is 6 mm in diameter and 8 mm long.

People were warned to keep at least five meters away from the capsule if they saw it since radiation exposure could result in radiation sickness or radiation burns. Driving by it was thought to be quite low risk, comparable to getting an X-ray.

The capsule was discovered in a distant area far from any population, according to Western Australia's Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson, thus it was unlikely anyone had been exposed to radiation. According to state radiation safety laws from 1975, he stated there would be an inquiry and potential criminal charges would be taken into account. The maximum fine for improper handling of radioactive materials is $1,000 and $50 per day the offense continues, but the state administration announced on Wednesday that it was contemplating changing the legislation to allow for higher fines.

According to officials from the state of Western Australia, the Caesium-137 capsule was found when a car traveling at 70 km/h with specialized detection equipment picked up the radiation. The capsule was placed around 2 meters off the side of the road, and the search team employed portable detection equipment to find it, they added. Stephen Dawson, the emergency services minister for Western Australia, remarked at a news conference, "I do want to emphasize this is an amazing result." The search teams literally found the needle in the haystack, according to Dawson, who noted that finding this object was a massive challenge given the size of the research region.