A Virginia Tech seismologist says a mild earthquake reported in southern West Virginia may not have been a temblor.

Martin Chapman says mining activity may have caused Saturday's event.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 2.9-magnitude tremor struck at 7:27 a.m. Saturday. The epicenter was located about seven miles from Man in Logan County.

No damage was reported.

Chapman says surface mine blasting or the collapse of underground mine tunnels can cause false readings.

The state Department of Environmental Protection and the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training said they have no evidence that the event was related to mining.

But a DEP spokeswoman says the agency is looking into blasting as a possibility.

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