Missing radioactive capsule found in Australia

Authorities in Western Australia say they have found a tiny radioactive capsule which went missing last month.

Emergency services had "literally found the needle in the haystack", they said.

A huge search was triggered when the object was lost while being transported along a 1,400km (870 mile) route across the state.

Authorities released a close-up picture of the pea-sized capsule - which could cause serious harm if handled - on the ground among tiny pebbles.

A serial number enabled them to verify they had found the right capsule, which is 6mm (0.24 inches) in diameter and 8mm long.

It contains a small quantity of Caesium-137, which could cause skin damage, burns or radiation sickness.

Mining giant Rio Tinto apologised for losing the device, which is used as a density gauge in the mining industry. read more