Rio Tinto, a multinational metals sector, has admitted that it lost a tiny radioactive capsule in Western Australia a few days ago and is trying to figure out where it went with the help of the authorities.

“We understand that this is very disturbing and we regret that this has caused alarm,” the BBC said in a statement.

The capsule contains a small amount of radioactive caesium-137, which can cause serious illness in anyone who touches it. It was lost between Newman City and Perth at a distance of about 1400 kilometers.

“In addition to full support from the relevant authorities, we have launched our own investigation to understand how the capsule was lost en route,” said Simon Trott, Director of Rio Tinto Iron Ore. “As part of this investigation, we are working closely with the contractor to better understand what went wrong in this case,” he added.

Rio Tinto stated that it is a density meter commonly used in the mining industry. It was used at the Gandai Dari mine in Western Australia to measure the density of the original iron ore.

The silver capsule is only 6mm in diameter and 8mm long and could be dropped anywhere.

The company said the capsule left the mine on January 12. It was reported missing on January 25, although it remains unclear how long the object has been missing.

“Rio Tinto has engaged a third party contractor with the relevant knowledge and certifications to securely package the device in preparation for offsite transport prior to shipment to the Perth plant. Before the device left the site, a Geiger counter was used to confirm the presence of the capsule inside the package,” he said.

Source: BBC, France 24.