PCMG (Minas Gerais State Civil Police) is searching for sources of caesium-137 allegedly stolen from a mining company in the town of Nazareno, 150 km from Belo Horizonte.

Two C-137 radioactive sources disappeared in the state of Minas Gerais – Photo: National Nuclear Energy Commission/Reproduction/ND

AMG Brasil said the two sealed sources of caesium-137 were from pulp density equipment.

Cesium-137 disappeared in June

On June 29, the disappearance was reported to CNEN (National Nuclear Energy Commission), an agency affiliated with MCTI (Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation).

“According to CNEN rules, sources are classified as “Category 5, low risk.” When used in pulp density meters, the sources pose no danger.”

“They have 275,000 times lower activity than some radiation therapy devices,” the mining company explained in a statement.

The activity of the missing sources is negligible compared to the activity of caesium-137, which caused the most serious radiation accident in the country in 1987. However, AMG notes that improper handling by unauthorized persons may pose a health hazard.

Missing fonts can be identified by their format and appearance. “They are lined with stainless steel and have an internal lead shield and an external stainless steel impact shield,” he elaborates.

Technicians from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN), a division of CNEN in Minas Gerais, are conducting checks to find out what happened and evaluate the company’s radioprotection measures. AMG has a regular license from CNEN and an operating permit.

In a statement, the mining company regrets the alleged theft and says it is doing its best to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Internal investigations are also underway.

A phone number has been provided for people who have information about stolen items or want to clarify doubts: (32) 3322-3053.

According to Agência Brasil.