Manipulating (PLS) stock(s) on the ASX

With so many educated HC members in this forum, may I ask if anyone here would in a position to explain in a few sentences, the 'techniques' used by certain institutions to keep a stock price (i.e. PLS) from rising. It really baffles me how this can be achieved, without them risking to lose money as well. I have just reviewed a table of global lithium producers (established and still in the developing stage) with their share pricing going up in high double digit percentage points whilst PLS is moving at a much slower pace. I sold some of my PLS holdings in February 2022 @ $3.35 for personal reasons (and since reinvested) when the company was worth far less than it is now. If banging my head against my apartment wall would be the answer, I would give that a try this afternoon. Thank you.