** Morningstar says Pilbara Minerals' PLS.AX mineral resource upgrade at Pilgangoora ops in Western Australia solidifies co's status as one of the largest hard rock lithium miners globally
** Investment research firm says higher lithium oxide grades typically lead to lower unit costs as more lithium is extracted per metric ton of ore
** Attributes miner's last week's gains of 3.2% to increased confidence in resolution of U.S.-China trade dispute
** China is the largest global producer of lithium batteries
** Morningstar keeps fair value estimate at A$3
** Stock has gained over 4.5% so far this week
(Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru)
((Tanishk.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com; X: @thatstanishk http://www.x.com/thatstanishk;))
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