Missing radioactive capsule found at remote highway in Australia

In a significant relief to the authorities, the tiny missing radioactive capsule was found by the roadside of a remote highway in Australia following a gruesome search compared to finding a needle in a haystack. On Wednesday, February 1, State emergency authorities announced the discovery of the object which came after six days it was first identified as missing.

The tiny capsule, containing highly radioactive Caesium-137 was termed missing from a package that was sent hundreds of kilometres from a Rio Tinto mining site in northern Western Australia to the capital Perth. In a news conference announcing the discovery of the capsule, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said that locating the object was a “monumental challenge” and noted that the search groups have “found the needle in the haystack”.

The disappearance of the radioactive capsule triggered a massive search of the highway and the groups included specialised radiation detection units. It also sparked warnings to the public to not approach the capsule as the radioactive element could cause serious burns if it comes in contact with the skin.



Authorities speculate that the capsule which was 8 millimetres high and 6 millimetres round, fell off the back of the truck while it was being transported from the mine along the Great Northern Highway. The device is being used by Rio Tinto in a gauge at its Gudai-Darri iron ore mine. It said that it regularly transports and stores dangerous goods as part of its business.

FAQs:

1. What is Caesium?
   Caesium is a gold-coloured metal that is rapidly attacked by air and reacts explosively in water.
2. Where is Caesium commonly used?
   It is commonly used as a drilling fluid.