Citi has positioned Australia’s Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) as being operationally years ahead of its peers, due to the acceleration of the Pilgangoora operations expansion.

The brokerage has maintained a faithful ‘buy’ position with an impressive A$5.10 price target on the lithium company.

According to Citi, the Pilbara Minerals' lithium operation in Western Australia has demonstrated significant development since the previous year, achieving a greater ore body comprehension and strategic planning that has led to amplified concentrate output.

The expansion of Pilgangoora is on track, with management exuding positivity for the September quarter reserve update.

Out of 17 analysts, eight rate the stock as ‘buy’ or higher, six recommend to ‘hold’, and three suggest ‘sell’.

Their median price target is A$5.15, according to Refinitiv data.

Pilbara Minerals' stock has seen a ~33% increase year-to-date as of the last close.

Pilbara Minerals is a lithium mining company that mainly focuses on its Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project in Western Australia.