Search operations continued in the state of Western Australia on Saturday to find as quickly as possible a tiny radioactive capsule that disappeared during transport from the mine, AFP and Agerpres reported.

The 8-by-6-millimeter silver capsule, which is used in mining, has been missing since mid-January, emergency services said.

It contains a radioactive substance, the isotope cesium 137, according to the Western Australian Department of Health.

The capsule allegedly fell out of the truck during transport to the storage location.

Health authorities warn against any handling of this item that may cause burns or illness.

Emergency services said he was lost between the remote town of Newman and the northern suburbs of Perth, a distance of about 1,400 kilometres.

“The concern is that someone will find him and walk around with him without knowing what he’s dealing with,” said Andrew Robertson, director of health services in Western Australia.

A fire service official said they are initially looking for the capsule in populated areas, but that could take weeks.

Authorities were alerted to the disappearance on Wednesday after the company responsible for the capsule realized it was missing, he added.