Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Israeli occupation forces carry out a large explosion in the eastern neighborhood of the town of Mays al-Jabal in southern Lebanon.
Israeli media: Israeli political leadership decides to open Rafah crossing “as planned” and transfer aid to Gaza Strip.
Palestinian media: Three Palestinians were killed after being targeted by Israeli drone fire in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City
Nicolas Maduro: The Palestinian cause is the most sacred cause for humanity, and we propose sending teams of builders, farmers, and doctors to Gaza to help the people
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Lebanon: IOF infiltrate Khallet Wardeh towards the municipality in the town of Aita al-Shaab, south of Lebanon.
Leaders of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Trump arrives in Sharm el-Sheikh
Israeli PM's office: PM informed Trump he would not attend Sharm el-Sheikh Summit on account of Jewish holidays.
Israeli media: Netanyahu makes last-minute decision to cancel trip to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Large crowds gather in Khan Younis to welcome the liberated Palestinian detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in celebration

Took Australian authorities two weeks to notice radioactive capsule

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 28 Jan 2023 18:01
  • 1 Shares
2 Min Read

The radioactive capsule which is roughly the size of a fraction of a 10c coin is highly hazardous. It is reported to potentially cause skin burns, radiation sickness, and cancer.

  • x
  • A small silver capsule containing radioactive cesium-137 has been lost en route from a mine site to Perth. © -/Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA via AAP/dpa
    A small silver capsule containing radioactive cesium-137 has been lost en route from a mine site to Perth © /Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA via AAP/dpa

Authorities in Western Australia are scrounging for a coin-sized radioactive capsule that went missing more than two weeks after it left a Rio Tinto mine site.

The 8mm x 6mm capsule was meant to be contained in a secure device. During the delivery from the mine site in Pilbara to a depot in Perth the device was reported to be "damaged" on the truck. The capsule is 19-becquerel cesium-137 ceramic sources, which is frequently used in radiation gauges.

Authorities warn that it can cause skin burns, radiation sickness, and cancer as they patrol the 1,400 km Great Northern highway.

Darryl Ray, the acting superintendent for Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, said in a press conference “We have continued the search on strategic sites along the route that the vehicle had taken, concentrating on sites close to high-population areas within the metropolitan suburbs,”

Related News

ICAN condemns US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Russian scientists find elevated Tritium level after Fukushima release

He added, “The search involves the use of radiation survey meters to detect the radiation levels which will help us locate the small device. We are using the radiation detectors to locate the gamma rays, using the meters, that will help us then locate the small device."

Andrew Robertson, the chief health officer for Western Australia, reported that screws were found to be missing from the protective device when it was discovered.

“These gauges are designed to be robust and to be used in industrial settings where they may be exposed to weather and vibration, so it is unusual for a gauge to come apart like this one has,” he said.

The capsule had been packaged in the device for delivery back on January 10 and not until January 25th was the package discovered to be damaged.

Additionally, Robertson warned anyone who finds the capsule not to handle it due to safety hazards. 

 Robertson emphasized the uncertainty of the status of the situation explaining possible scenarios "it could have been knocked further out into the bush, it could have been picked up and carried in a tire wheel in another direction." 

  • Radioactive waste
  • Australia

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl

The Life of a No-Girl: The one verse Taylor Swift refuses to sing

  • Arts and Culture
  • 8 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Freed Palestinian detainee al-Arida expresses gratitude to Al Mayadeen.
Politics

Freed Palestinian detainee Mahmoud al-Arida salutes Al Mayadeen

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez gestures as he speaks at the Global Progress Action Summit, in London, Friday, September 26, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Spain to maintain arms embargo on ‘Israel’ despite ceasefire

Israeli excavators work in the Gaza Strip as the sun sets, seen from southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian clans condemn chaos in Gaza, back security forces

The sun sets behind buildings destroyed during the Israeli aggression in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli regime cuts Gaza aid to 300 trucks, blocks fuel and gas

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS