The 8mm by 6mm capsule was discovered by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Association (ANSTO) in collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) about 50 kilometres from the mining city of Newman at the moment.
Authorities are working to soundly take away the merchandise, which is believed to have fallen off the again of a truck whereas being taken from a mine to Perth on January 10.
“This is a great result for Australians and Western Australians in general,” WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson mentioned.
“Locating this object was a monumental challenge.
“The search crews fairly actually discovered a needle within the haystack.
“It once again highlights the extraordinary capabilities of our emergency services… West Australians can sleep soundly tonight.”
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm mentioned that the capsule was discovered on the Great Northern Highway, simply two metres from the facet of the street.
“The vehicle that identified it was travelling at 70 kilometres an hour, and specialist technician equipment picked up the radiation permitted by the missing capsule.
“The search workforce then used moveable detective gear to find the capsule.”
A 20-metre “hotzone” has been set up around the capsule, where it is understood a lead container will later be used to transport it safely.
Australia’s nuclear safety agency was called in to join the search alongside a team with specialised car-mounted and portable detection equipment manned by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
The truck transporting the capsule arrived at a Perth depot on January 16.
Emergency services were notified of the missing capsule on January 25.
Mining giant Rio Tinto yesterday apologised for losing the radioactive capsule somewhere on the 1,400kms stretch of road.
People were earlier warned it could have unknowingly become lodged in their car’s tyres.
The caesium 137 ceramic source, commonly used in radiation gauges, emits dangerous amounts of radiation, equivalent of receiving 10 X-rays in an hour.
It could cause skin burns and prolonged exposure could cause cancer.
Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services publicly announced the capsule had gone missing last Friday, two days after they were notified by Rio Tinto.
The mining giant said the contractor was qualified to transport the device and it had been confirmed being on board the truck by a Geiger counter prior to leaving the mine.
Police determined the incident to be an accident and no criminal charges are likely.
– Reported with Associated Press
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Source: www.9news.com.au
