The Ministry of Energy and Mining reported that around midnight on January 5, 2024, a nuclear densimeter of the company Geosuelos was stolen, inside the camp of the company SEDEMI where the Tanicuchi electrical substation is being built.

The company Geosuelos informed the undersecretary for nuclear control and applications of the Ministry of Energy and Mining about this fact, and the competent authorities are already investigating it.

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The State Ministry warns that the stolen equipment contains two sources of ionizing radiation. This radiation cannot be felt, seen or smelled, and it is transmitted through the air at a distance of several meters, the closer it is, the more dangerous it is. Improper handling of this equipment is harmful to the environment and health.

In interaction with the human body, it can cause harmful effects, therefore it is important that citizens maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from this device, the Ministry reported.

The Department of Energy has released photos of the densimeter stolen from Camp Latacunga so that people can recognize it because it contains two sources of ionizing radiation. Photo: Ministry of Energy

He also indicated that the stolen equipment is illegal, that it has no commercial value because working with it requires the authorization of the Undersecretary for Nuclear Surveillance and Application. Likewise, companies that contract these services must by law request a permit for mobilization and work according to the serial number and model number.

With this in mind, they ask citizens that if they have information about the mentioned equipment, “do not use it, do not drill, do not manipulate it and immediately contact the emergency services”.