Exclusive: Chile settles dispute with Albemarle over lithium reserves data Reuters | Apr 23, 2021 11:54 PM EDT Brine pools from a lithium mine, that belongs U.S.-based Albemarle Corp, is seen on the Atacama salt flat in the Atacama desert, Chile, (Photo : REUTERS/Ivan AlvaradO) Chilean regulators have settled a high stakes dispute over reserves data with top lithium producer Albemarle Corp, according to a letter viewed by Reuters, defusing a spat that may have led to the suspension of the company's permit to expand its operations in Chile. Chile in 2016 gave Albemarle approval to hike production from the lithium-rich Atacama salt flat on condition the miner prove its reserves could sustain the increased output.