A "comprehensive investigation" into the loss of a tiny radioactive capsule, which sparked a frantic search in WA's outback and an unprecedented public health warning, concludes without any charges being laid or fines issued.
Honestly it really depends how it happened. If it was a legitimate freak accident, then I don’t think fines or arrests make sense assuming new procedures are out in place.
If it was negligence, or worse intentional then there should definitely be accountability.
An investigation into the loss of a tiny but potentially deadly radioactive capsule in WA earlier this year has concluded without any charges being laid or fines issued.
The incident sparked a frantic search along a 1,400 kilometre stretch of road between a Pilbara mine site and Perth, before the capsule was found with the help of specialised equipment seven days later.
It is believed the capsule fell from a truck transporting equipment from a Rio Tinto minesite, but the investigation cleared the company of any wrongdoing earlier this year.
In the wake of the incident, Rio Tinto provided a mobile worker camp to help rebuild flood-damaged Fitzroy Crossing to cover the cost of the search.
Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said the accommodation cost about $4 million, exceeding the price tag of the search, which was never revealed.
During the saga, which attracted worldwide attention, it emerged the maximum single penalty for failing to safely store, pack and transport radioactive materials was a $1,000 fine.
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