Magmatism and Tectonics: Intersecting Perspectives on Archaean Metallogeny

The formation of Archean mineral deposits involved magmatic and/or tectonic processes. The geodynamic evolution of the different crustal assemblages making up the Archean cratons therefore determined the evolution or superposition of distinct metallogenic environments in time and space. These aspects have been described using concepts and vocabulary traditionally disconnected from magmatic petrology and structural geology. However, the current state of knowledge reveals the limits and contradictions of this isolated approach and the need to bring these specialities together in a holistic approach to Archaean geodynamics. This conference session will present recent advances in research on the formation of Archaean cratons, highlighting the intersecting but complementary perspectives of magmatology and tectonics on the evolution of metallogenic environments. It will provide an overview of current knowledge on the identification of different metallogenic domains formed and deformed during the evolution of the Superior and other Archean cratons around the world.