Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (OTCQB: GXUSF) (Frankfurt: R6B) announced Thursday the formation of an Advisory Board, appointing international strategic advisor Elena Baranova as its first member. The move aims to bolster the company’s leadership as it pursues exploration and development objectives across its portfolio of gold, mineral, and energy assets.
Baranova brings extensive experience in corporate finance, energy, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects across global markets, including Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her expertise includes international legal structuring, sovereign and government negotiations, and complex transactions, with a focus on energy transition and critical minerals.
‘Ms. Baranova brings a rare combination of global transactional expertise and hands-on experience in developing complex energy and resource projects,’ said Graydon Kowal, President & CEO of Guardian. ‘Her deep understanding of international markets, government negotiations, and capital structuring will be invaluable as Guardian continues to advance its strategic initiatives.’
Baranova is a Solicitor of England & Wales and began her legal career at firms including Osborne Clarke and Ogier, advising on high-value financings, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and cross-border transactions. She was involved in landmark deals such as UC Rusal’s US$26 billion IPO and Glencore’s US$61 billion dual listing. She also advised companies like Rio Tinto, Norilsk Nickel, and Randgold Resources (now Barrick Mining Corporation).
Beyond legal advisory, Baranova co-founded IM Power Plc, a UK-based independent power producer where she led development of a US$1.2 billion power plant in Mongolia supporting large-scale mining. She is also founder and managing director of Astera Group, focusing on energy transition and critical minerals including rare earths, battery storage, and renewable energy infrastructure.
The appointment comes as Guardian, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, advances its exploration assets including 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.
Baranova’s addition signals a strategic push to leverage international expertise in navigating complex regulatory and financial landscapes. Her experience with sovereign negotiations and large capital-intensive projects is expected to aid Guardian in securing partnerships and funding for its development pipeline.
Kowal emphasized that the advisory board will provide strategic guidance as the company evaluates opportunities and manages risks associated with resource exploration. The formation of the board reflects a broader trend among junior explorers to strengthen governance and access specialized expertise to compete in the global resource sector.
Baranova holds GDL and LPC degrees from The University of Law in the UK and is a member of the Law Society of the United Kingdom. She serves as a judge for the International Property Awards and is involved in the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society.
Guardian’s shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GX, on the OTCQB under GXUSF, and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under R6B.
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