Magnitude 6.2 quake hits off Chile coast

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been recorded off the northern coast of Chile.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has struck off the northern coast of Chile, although there are no reports of damage.

The US Geological Survey says the quake's epicentre was 29 kilometres below the seabed, 132km southwest of Antofagasta.

The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 6.0, struck at 6pm local time on Friday.

Local emergency services said the tremor was felt strongly in the northern Atacama desert, and they were assessing whether it had caused any damage.

The navy said it was not issuing a tsunami alert.

A spokesman for Chilean state copper producer Codelco said there were no reports of any damage at its mines in the area.

Chile, located on the so-called Pacific ring of fire, is prone to earthquakes, and has strict building codes that limit damage when they occur.