Radioactive mining canister recovered

A radioactive mining exploration tool has been found by the road 245 kilometres north of Perth, Health Department officials confirmed today.

The full text of a departmental announcement is pasted below

The Department of Health has recovered a radioactive mining exploration tool that went missing on route from Perth to Dampier last month.

The canister was found yesterday by a Main Roads crew just off the Brand Highway, about five kilometres north of the Badgingarra Roadhouse (240 kilometres north of Perth).

The canister, which was imported from the United States by mining company Schlumberger, arrived in Perth on November 13.

It was due to be transported to Dampier by freight company Toll on November 18, however, the mining company raised the alarm when it was discovered the canister did not arrive.

Department of Health Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said the canister was intact with no leakage of the radioactive material.

"We are extremely pleased that the canister has been located and would like to thank WA Police, Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Schlumberger and Toll for their assistance in the search," he said.

The canister has now been transported to secure storage in Perth and will be returned to Schlumberger as soon as possible.

Dr Robertson said a special meeting of the Radiological Council would be held on Friday, January 19 to review the incident and current arrangements for the transport of radioactive materials.