The capsule was being transported 1,400 kilometres (870 mi) from Rio Tinto's Gudai-Darri iron ore mine near Newman to a depot in the Perth suburb of Malaga.
[7] On the evening of 25 January, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) was notified of the missing capsule by the Western Australia Police Force.
[8][7] Members of the public were warned to observe a safe distance of 5 metres (16 ft) if they found the capsule, and drivers who had recently used the Great Northern Highway were asked to check their vehicle tyres in case it was lodged in the tread.
Under the Radiation Safety Regulations Act, the maximum penalty for failing to safely store, pack and transport radioactive materials is a A$1,000 fine.
[15] After discussion with Western Australia government, Rio donated a mobile camp worth $4 million to assist in flood recovery of Fitzroy Crossing, in lieu of cash payment.