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A highly radioactive capsule that went missing in a remote region of Western Australia's outback has been found after a search spanning hundreds of kilometres.
The 8mm by 6mm capsule was found 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 town of Newman today.
Authorities are working to safely remove the item, which is believed to have fallen off the back of a truck while being taken from a mine to Perth on January 10.
READ MORE: Mining company sorry for losing radioactive device in WA
"This is a great result for Australians and Western Australians in general," WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said.
"Locating this object was a monumental challenge.
"The search crews quite literally found a needle in the haystack.
"It once again highlights the extraordinary capabilities of our emergency services… West Australians can sleep soundly tonight."
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said that the capsule was found on the Great Northern Highway, just two metres from the side of the road.
"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 team then used portable detective equipment to locate 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.
READ MORE: The worst case scenarios with lost radioactive materials
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: 9News
