Analysis of new lithological, structural, metamorphic and geochronological data from extensive mapping in Mozambique permits recognition of two distinct crustal blocks separated by the Lurio Belt shear zone.

Comparison of crustal provinces in Southeastern Africa and Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, reveals considerable similarity in their evolution from the Archaean until the Mesozoic separation. Archaean granites and mid-Proterozoic supracrustal successions in these regions are so comparable that correlation is suggested. A major mid- to late Proterozoic orogenic terrain in Dronning Maud Land, comprising the H.U. Sverdrupfjella and Heimefrontfjella subprovinces and termed the Maudheim Province, is very similar in age, lithology, structural style and metamorphic history to the Mozambique and Natal orogenic provinces of Kibaran age (1000 Ma) in southeastern Africa. Deformed supracrustal sequences in all three provinces host syn-tectonic granites intruded during upper amphibolite- to granulite-facies metamorphism. Isoclinal folding was accompanied by thrusting towards adjacent cratonic areas. Development of orogenic provinces of Kibaran age in southeastern Africa and Antarctica reflects accretion of marginal basin–volcanic arc sequences onto older continents. The 500 Ma Pan African event was a widespread, predominantly thermal, overprinting of parts of the older orogenic provinces. Faulting and rifting of the supercontinent preceded break-up and influenced the stratigraphy of Phanerozoic sedimentary successions in SE Africa.

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The rocks of the Kalahari Craton in central western Mozambique have crystallization ages of between c. 2300 and 3400 Ma and comprise dominantly granite-greenstones, peraluminous two-mica granites, subordinate younger mafic and granitic intrusions of uncertain age and cover sedimentary rocks. The rocks of the Mozambique Belt comprise c. 1100 Ma intrusive granitoids as well as mafic intrusives and supracrustal migmatite gneisses of uncertain age. The boundary zone between and including these two crustal provinces is characterized by a strong N-S penetrative planar and migmatitic fabric. Sparse kinematic indicators suggest a sinistral sense of displacement along this shear zone. The metamorphic gradient increases from west to east from low grade on the Kalahari Craton to high-grade in the east, characterized by two generations of anatectic migmatization. 4°Ar/39Ar thermochronology on mica suggests that the Kalahari