Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (OTCQB: GXUSF) (Frankfurt: R6B) announced the formation of its Advisory Board, a strategic move to bolster leadership as the company advances its exploration and development goals. As part of this initiative, the company has appointed Ms. Elena Baranova, an accomplished international strategic advisor and cross-border negotiator, to the board.
Ms. Baranova brings extensive experience in corporate finance, energy, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects across global markets. Her expertise includes international legal structuring, sovereign and government negotiations, complex transactions, and the development of capital-intensive projects. She has a strong track record working across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a focus on energy transition and critical minerals.
Graydon Kowal, President & CEO of Guardian, stated: “Ms. Baranova brings a rare combination of global transactional expertise and hands-on experience in developing complex energy and resource projects. Her deep understanding of international markets, government negotiations, and capital structuring will be invaluable as Guardian continues to advance its strategic initiatives. We are very pleased to welcome her to our Advisory Board.”
Ms. Baranova is a Solicitor of England & Wales and began her legal career at leading international law firms, including Osborne Clarke and Ogier, where she advised on high-value financings, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and complex cross-border transactions. She was involved in landmark transactions such as UC Rusal’s US$26 billion IPO and Glencore’s US$61 billion dual listing. She has also advised major global companies including Rio Tinto, Norilsk Nickel, Randgold Resources (now Barrick Mining Corporation), Erdenes Mongol, Jordan Intrah (Oil & Gas) Group, and Jindal Steel.
As Co-Founder of IM Power Plc, a UK-based independent power producer, she led the development of major energy infrastructure projects, including a US$1.2 billion power plant in Mongolia supporting large-scale mining operations. She has worked extensively with international financial institutions across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She is also Founder and Managing Director of Astera Group, which focuses on strategic opportunities in energy transition and critical minerals, including rare earths, battery storage, and renewable energy infrastructure.
Ms. Baranova holds GDL and LPC degrees (with Distinction) from The University of Law in the United Kingdom and is a qualified Solicitor of England & Wales. She is a member of the Law Society of the United Kingdom, serves as a judge for the International Property Awards, and is involved in organizations including the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society.
Guardian Exploration is a TSXV-listed company engaged in oil, gas, and mineral exploration. Its assets include the Sundog and Esker gold projects in Nunavut’s Kivalliq Region, the Mount Cameron Property in Yukon’s Mayo Mining District, and the Kaigani claims in Southeast Alaska.
