Australian authorities today found a radioactive capsule lost in the continent's vast interior after a nearly week-long search that covered a 1,400-kilometer stretch of highway, Reuters reported, citing an emergency services official.

The military is checking the condition of the capsule and it will be transported to a secure site in Perth tomorrow, Emergency Services Minister Steve Dawson told a news conference.

Given the size of the search area, finding this object was a monumental challenge, the teams quite literally found a needle in a haystack, Dawson said, quoted by BTA.

Radioactive capsule goes missing in Western Australia

The radioactive capsule is part of a device used to measure the density of raw material in iron ore at Rio Tinto's Gudai-Dari mine. Western Australia Emergency Response and Defense officials, as well as radiation specialists were searching the stretch of highway for the small capsule that was lost in transit more than two weeks ago.Officials said it was unlikely the area was contaminated.

The silver capsule, 6 mm in diameter and 8 mm long, contains cesium-137, which emits radiation.

Authorities advised people to stay at least five meters away from the capsule if they come across it, as any closer contact with it could cause radiation burns or radiation sickness.

Australia