Mining company Rio Tinto recently lost a small radioactive capsule during transport, sparking concerns about the safety and regulations surrounding the transportation of radioactive materials. The capsule, containing a small amount of cesium-137, fell out of a sensor used in ore density assessment and was missing for several days before being found. The incident raised questions about the risks associated with transporting radioactive materials and whether regulations are sufficient to prevent accidents and exposure. Currently, about 15 million packages of radioactive materials are transported annually, with 95% of them being related to medicinal and mining use rather than nuclear power. The transport of radioactive materials is regulated by international standards, but there are still challenges in harmonizing regulations and ensuring enforcement across different countries. Additionally, there is a growing concern about the security of transporting radioactive materials, as they can be targeted by criminals for theft and illicit trafficking. The incident highlights the need for stronger transport security measures and cybersecurity to protect against these risks.
Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:00:24 GMT | Mining Technology