Nov 5 (Reuters) - Albemarle reported a

smaller-than-expected loss for the third quarter on Wednesday,

as the lithium producer's tight leash on costs and resilient

sales volumes softened the squeeze from persistently low prices

for the metal.

The company reported an adjusted loss of 19 cents per share

for the quarter ended September 30, compared with analysts'

average estimate for a loss of 78 cents per share, according to

data compiled by LSEG.