Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (OTCQB: GXUSF) (Frankfurt: R6B) announced the formation of its Advisory Board and the appointment of Ms. Elena Baranova as its first member, a move aimed at bolstering the company's leadership as it pursues its exploration and development goals.
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 negotiations, complex transactions, and the development of capital-intensive projects. She has worked 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."
Ms. Baranova is a Solicitor of England & Wales and began her legal career at leading international law firms, including Osborne Clarke and Ogier. She advised on 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 like Rio Tinto, Norilsk Nickel, Randgold Resources (now Barrick Mining Corporation), Erdenes Mongol, and others.
She is a Co-Founder of IM Power Plc, a UK-based independent power producer, where as Executive Director she led development of major energy infrastructure projects, including a US$1.2 billion power plant in Mongolia. She is also Founder and Managing Director of Astera Group, which focuses on energy transition and critical minerals, including rare earths, battery storage, and renewable energy infrastructure.
The formation of the Advisory Board is a strategic initiative to strengthen Guardian's leadership capacity as it advances its exploration and development objectives. Guardian's 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.
Ms. Baranova holds GDL and LPC degrees from The University of Law in the UK and is a member of the Law Society of the UK. She serves as a judge for the International Property Awards and is involved in the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society.
This appointment underscores Guardian's commitment to leveraging top-tier expertise as it pursues growth in the energy and mining sectors, particularly in critical minerals and energy transition projects.
