Officials from Western Australia's emergency response department, defence authorities, radiation specialists and others are combing a 1,400km stretch of highway for the tiny capsule that was lost in transit more than two weeks ago.
The radioactive capsule was part of a gauge used to measure the density of iron ore feed from Rio Tinto's Gudai-Darri mine in the state's remote Kimberley region. The ore was being taken to a facility in the suburbs of Perth — a distance longer than the length of Great Britain. The penalty for failing to safely handle radioactive substances is A$1,000 and A$50 per day the offence continues, according to state legislation from 1975.
“That figure is ridiculously low but I suspect that it's ridiculously low because people didn't think such an item could be lost,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a news conference in the state capital, Perth, referring to the fine. The silver capsule, 6mm in diameter and 8mm long, contains Caesium-137 which emits radiation equal to 10 X-rays per hour.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia reviews radiation laws as radioactive capsule goes missing in OutbackThe ‘ridiculously low’ fine for mishandling radioactive material is under scrutiny as the search for the tiny, yet dangerous capsule continues
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »
Nuclear safety agency joins hunt in outback for radioactive capsuleHuge search continues on 1,400km stretch in Western Australia
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »
Source: ewnupdates - 🏆 30. / 53 Read more »
Source: BoksburgNews - 🏆 40. / 51 Read more »
Source: 2oceansvibe - 🏆 43. / 51 Read more »
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »