Guardian Exploration Inc. Forms Advisory Board, Appoints Elena Baranova

Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (OTCQB: GXUSF) (Frankfurt: R6B) has announced the formation of its Advisory Board and the appointment of Ms. Elena Baranova, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the company's leadership as it pursues its exploration and development goals. The announcement, made on April 24, 2026, underscores the company's commitment to leveraging global expertise in critical minerals and energy transition.

Ms. Baranova brings a wealth of experience as an international strategic advisor and cross-border negotiator, with a career spanning corporate finance, energy, mining, and large-scale infrastructure projects across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Her expertise includes international legal structuring, sovereign and government negotiations, and complex transactions, particularly in energy transition and critical minerals. She is a Solicitor of England & Wales and began her legal career at leading firms such as Osborne Clarke and Ogier, advising on high-value financings, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and cross-border transactions. Notable transactions include 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, and Randgold Resources (now Barrick Mining Corporation).

Currently, Ms. Baranova is a Co-Founder of IM Power Plc, a UK-based independent power producer, where she led the development of a US$1.2 billion power plant in Mongolia. She also serves as Founder and Managing Director of Astera Group, focusing 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 & CEO of Guardian, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: "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."

The formation of the Advisory Board is part of Guardian's strategy to enhance its leadership capacity as it advances its exploration and development objectives. Guardian Exploration Inc. is a TSXV-listed company engaged in oil, gas, and mineral exploration and development, with 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.

Ms. Baranova holds GDL and LPC degrees from The University of Law in the United Kingdom and is a member of the Law Society of the United Kingdom. She also serves as a judge for the International Property Awards and is involved in organizations such as the Eurasia Critical Minerals Organization and the British-Uzbek Society.