(Adds details of region) WASHINGTON, March 10 (Reuters) - A 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit a copper-rich area of Chile on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter of the quake was 94 miles (152 km) southeast of Copiapo at a depth of 53.6 miles (86 km), the center said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Copiapo, about 500 miles (800 km) north of Santiago, is the capital of a province of the same name. The area's economy depends on copper and silver mining, as well as agriculture. (World Desk Americas +1 202 898 8457)
A worker from Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) takes a break during a forest fire at the coastal town of Laguna Verde, some 115 km (71 miles) northwest of Santiago, March ...