The device, used in Rio Tinto's mining operations, fell off the back of a truck as it was taken by a third-party specialist for repairs.
The stainless steel 6 millimeters by 8 millimeters device is part of a gauge used for measuring the density of iron ore feed and fell off the back of a truck operated by a specialist third party.
Emergency services conducted a huge search operation to find the device, which they warned could cause radiation burns or radiation sickness from close exposure, despite a low risk to the public due to its size and remoteness. Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto said it was assisting in the operation.It was found by the side of the road on the Great Northern Highway near the town of Newman, which is around 1,100 kilometers north of Perth.
Authorities said it would now be transported securely to a Western Australia health facility in Perth.In a statement Wednesday, Trott thanked emergency services for their work.
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