Australia aims for bigger fines a week into Outback hunt for radioactive capsule

A handout image shows Department of Fire and Emergency Services crew searching for a radioactive capsule from a Rio Tinto mine after it disappeared on a 1400 km journey across the outback, in Australia in this picture obtained on January 28, 2023. AAP Image/Department Of Fire And Emergency Services/Handout via REUTERS

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Authorities in Australia aim to toughen up laws on the mishandling of radioactive material as a search for a hazardous capsule that a mining company lost in the Outback enters a seventh day.

Officials from Western Australia's emergency response department, defence authorities, radiation specialists and others are combing a 1,400 km (870 mile) stretch of highway for the tiny capsule that was lost in transit more than two weeks ago.