After extensive investigation, it was finally found. A tiny but dangerously radioactive capsule has gone missing in Australia while being transported on a truck by British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. Missing between January 11 and 16, her loss was not reported to the public until a week later.
As ABCNews reports, local authorities announced Wednesday morning that firefighters and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization had found it some 50 miles from the western town of Newman.
“Search teams have literally found the needle in the haystack,” said Stephen Dawson, the local emergency services minister.
radiation risks
The capsule measures 8mm by 6mm and contains a radioactive substance, Cesium-137. This material is used in a gauge to measure the density of iron ore. Unless released into nature, it can cause burns or worse: acute radiation syndrome.
Neighbors in the area have been warned of the presence of this dangerous capsule and motorists who have traveled on the same road as the transport truck have been asked to check their tires to make sure it has not lodged there.
Authorities and emergency services spent several days searching the area, in an area of more than 1,400 kilometers. An Australian Armed Forces aircraft had also been loaned to try to locate the capsule.
Source: BFM TV
