It is suspected that vibrations during the lengthy flight led the capsule to become detached and fall from the ship. Rio Tinto has issued an apology, but Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deems the present penalties for mishandling radioactive materials “ridiculously inadequate.”
Hundreds of miles of road were searched when a radioactive capsule fell off a vehicle in the Australian outback.
The silver capsule, which emits the isotope Caesium-137, was found around two meters from the roadside. According to the minister of emergency services for Western Australia.
Officials were searching for the 6mm by 8mm capsule and retracing the truck’s 870-mile (1,400km) trip with radiation-detecting equipment.
The capsule was examined by the military before being sent to a secure location in Perth.
Minister Stephen Dawson described the outcome as “amazing.”
Given the extent of the search region, he said, the teams have found the proverbial needle in the haystack.
A radiation-detecting vehicle drove past at 43 mph and found the capsule (70kmh).
People were told that radiation burns, illness, and harm to their immunological and gastrointestinal systems were possible if they approached the capsule within five meters.
However, passing by was classified as posing a risk comparable to having an X-ray.
Andrew Robertson, Western Australia’s senior health officer, stated that it was discovered distant from any community and it is doubtful that anyone was exposed to its radiation.
Rio Tinto’s capsule measures iron ore density.
It is suspected that vibrations during shipment caused screws and a bolt to loosen, allowing the gauge to fall out.
Radioactive capsule found after massive search
The search area was huge, as the truck traveled from the Gudai-Darri mine in the remote Kimberley region to the suburbs of Perth across a distance longer than Britain.
On January 25, the missing capsule was reported to the police, the Australian defense department, and the Australian nuclear agency.
They had combed the state’s Great Northern Highway and other stretches of the route utilized by the road train – a tractor-trailer towing multiple trailers – for clues.
Approximately 660 kilometers (410 miles) had been searched by Tuesday.
Rio Tinto, which outsourced capsule transportation, apologised for the “extremely disturbing” incident and began its investigation.
Authorities are conducting their investigation, but according to state statutes enacted in 1975, the current fine for mishandling radioactive chemicals is only A$1,000, plus A$50 per day the violation persists.
Premier Anthony Albanese remarked, “That number is ridiculously low.”
“However, I feel it is absurdly low since people did not believe such a thing could be lost.”
The police have investigated the possibility of laying criminal charges but have determined there is no case to answer.
