The board of Guardian Exploration Inc. announced on April 24, 2026 that it has established an expanded Advisory Board and has appointed Elena Baranova as a new member. This development is aimed at strengthening the company’s leadership as it advances exploration and development programs across its asset base. Guardian is listed under TSXV: GX, OTC:GXUSF, OTCQB: GXUSF and Frankfurt: R6B, and the appointment reflects a strategic push to bring senior international transactional and project delivery experience to the company’s management and stakeholders.
The addition of Ms. Baranova brings a combination of legal, financial, and infrastructure project expertise to Guardian’s advisory capacity. Her background spans cross-border negotiations, sovereign-level engagements, and capital structuring for large-scale energy and mining projects. The appointment signals Guardian’s intent to deepen its engagement in critical minerals and energy-related opportunities while navigating complex permitting, financing and stakeholder processes across multiple jurisdictions.
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Advisor profile and international experience
Elena Baranova is a qualified Solicitor of England & Wales who began her career with leading international law firms and subsequently advised on a range of high-value corporate transactions. Her record includes participation in landmark financings and listings such as UC Rusal’s US$26 billion IPO and Glencore’s US$61 billion dual listing. Ms. Baranova has worked with major industry players including Rio Tinto, Norilsk Nickel, and Barrick Mining Corporation (formerly Randgold Resources), providing counsel on M&A, governance, and complex cross-border transactions that intersect energy, mining and infrastructure.
Project delivery and energy infrastructure
Beyond transactional work, Ms. Baranova co-founded IM Power Plc and, as an executive, led development of infrastructure including a US$1.2 billion power plant in Mongolia that supported large-scale mining operations. She also founded and leads Astera Group, which targets opportunities in energy transition and critical minerals sectors such as rare earths, battery storage and renewable energy infrastructure. Her experience engaging with international financial institutions and multinational partners across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa aligns with Guardian’s need for seasoned advisors able to support capital-intensive project delivery.
Strategic value to Guardian Exploration
Guardian’s President and CEO, Graydon Kowal, noted that the company will benefit from Ms. Baranova’s practical experience in government negotiations and cross-border capital structuring. Her role on the Advisory Board is expected to help guide the company through evolving market dynamics and support the advancement of exploration and development programs. Guardian’s portfolio includes 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—assets that could benefit from strategic advisory input on financing, permitting and stakeholder engagement.
Networks, credentials and professional roles
Ms. Baranova holds GDL and LPC degrees (awarded with Distinction) from The University of Law (ULaw) and maintains memberships including the Law Society of the United Kingdom. She serves as a judge for the International Property Awards and participates in organizations such as the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society. These affiliations reinforce her reach across markets and policy frameworks relevant to Guardian’s strategic interests.
Regulatory notice and forward-looking information
This release includes statements that are forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities laws, relating to exploration plans, project evaluations, potential drilling programs, permitting expectations and strategic objectives. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties including exploration outcomes, availability of financing, regulatory and exchange approvals, permitting and consultation processes, operational challenges, commodity price fluctuations and broader economic conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Guardian disclaims any obligation to update them except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For additional information, stakeholders may contact Graydon Kowal, President & CEO, at (403) 730-6333 or via email at [email protected]. Guardian Exploration remains focused on advancing its exploration portfolio while leveraging strengthened advisory resources to navigate complex project delivery and finance pathways.
