• Large new time–space geochronological, geochemical and isotopic dataset used to analyse crustal evolution in the Archean south-east Superior Craton. • We propose a new geodynamic model for the Neoarchean south-east Superior Craton. • δ 18 O, ΔFMQ, and other zircon and whole-rock geochemical proxies, indicate two geodynamic processes in operation at different times. • The transition from plume-rift to subduction tectonics occurred at ca. 2704–2695 Ma. • The advent of subduction would have had major implications for the Neoarchean environment via increased oxidation of associated magmatism and crustal recycling. The formation of the continental crust in the early Earth, and the geodynamics that drove it, are fundamental to understanding the evolution of our planet, but remain intensely debated. Here, we analysed 148 archived zircon separates of magmatic rocks for in-situ zircon U-Pb-Hf-O-trace element data, and compiled published geochronological, whole-rock geochemical and Sm-Nd isotopic data from across the south-east Superior Craton, Canada. We combine these data spatially and temporally to investigate the crustal evolution of this part of the craton in the Neoarchean, with a view to understanding its tectonic setting. In terms of zircon data, at >2704–2695 Ma, the central and north-west Abitibi demonstrate more juvenile εHf, light to mantle-like δ 18 O, lower (Eu/Eu*)/Y (drier/shallower crust), reduced ΔFMQ, less continental initial-U (U i )/Yb, and more mantle-like U i /Nb, relative to surrounding crust, which contains older, ca. 2800–2750 Ma inherited and magmatic zircon ages. Furthermore, whole-rock Sr/Y and La/Sm demonstrate the presence of a high Sr/Y TTG component (mainly intrusive) surrounding zones of low Sr/Y (mainly volcanic) component, the latter of which shows contamination trends with Mesoarchean crust. We interpret this to represent a continental-rift setting, driven by plume magmatism as represented by multiple komatiite suites. At ca. 2704–2695 Ma, there is a marked transition in multiple data...