Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (OTCQB: GXUSF) (Frankfurt: R6B) announced the formation of its Advisory Board and the appointment of Ms. Elena Baranova, an accomplished international strategic advisor and cross-border negotiator with extensive experience in corporate finance, energy, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The move is designed to strengthen the Company’s leadership capacity as it advances its exploration and development objectives.
Ms. Baranova brings a strong track record of working across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a focus on energy transition and critical minerals. She 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. Her experience includes involvement in landmark transactions such as UC Rusal’s US$26 billion IPO and Glencore’s US$61 billion dual listing. She has also advised on corporate governance and restructuring for major global companies, including Rio Tinto, Norilsk Nickel, Randgold Resources (now Barrick Mining Corporation), Erdenes Mongol, and others.
Ms. Baranova is a Co-Founder of IM Power Plc, a UK-based independent power producer, where as Executive Director 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 is also the 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. Her work involves advising governments, investors, and global industry stakeholders on complex, high-impact projects.
Graydon Kowal, President & Chief Executive Officer of Guardian, commented: “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.”
The formation of the Advisory Board and Baranova’s appointment signal Guardian’s intent to expand its focus on critical minerals and energy transition projects, which are increasingly important given global demand for rare earths and battery storage materials. Baranova’s expertise in sovereign negotiations and capital-intensive projects could help Guardian navigate complex permitting and financing challenges as it advances its assets, which 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 (awarded with Distinction) from The University of Law (ULaw) 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 actively involved in several international organizations, including the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society.
Guardian Exploration Inc. is a TSXV-listed company engaged in oil, gas, and mineral exploration and development. The appointment of Baranova is expected to provide strategic guidance as the company pursues its exploration plans and project evaluation activities. The company cautions that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.
For further information, contact Graydon Kowal, President & CEO, at (403) 730-6333. The original release is available at NewMediaWire.
