Canberra
Authorities in Australia have initiated a comprehensive investigation following the reported disappearance of radioactive material from a steelworks in Whyalla, South Australia. The SA Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) confirmed the ongoing search for a specific piece of equipment, a bin-level gauge containing a Cobalt-60 radioactive source, which is utilized for measuring stored materials in industrial silos and bins.
Despite deploying emergency response teams equipped with specialized tools for extensive radiological and physical searches, the efforts have thus far been unsuccessful in locating the missing equipment. Keith Baldry, the director of science and systems at the EPA, assured the public that the decay of the Cobalt-60 source over the past 35 years has significantly reduced its original activity, minimizing potential risks to both workers and the general public. As of now, authorities maintain the belief that the gauge remains within the premises of the steelworks.
This recent incident marks the second occurrence of radioactive material going missing in Australia in 2023. Earlier this year, a highly radioactive capsule was lost during transit in the Western Australian outback, prompting an extensive and urgent search along a 1,000-kilometer stretch of road. The seven-day search, involving a team from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) along with over 100 individuals, eventually led to the recovery of the misplaced capsule by the roadside.
The current investigation underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and comprehensive monitoring in handling radioactive materials, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and security measures within the nuclear industry.
