Mineralogy, geochemistry, and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of the Paleoproterozoic granulite-facies metamorphic rocks from the Aketashitage area, southeastern Tarim Craton

•The granulite-facies metamorphic rocks have a large spread in metamorphic ages (2036–1962 Ma).•Zircon Hf isotopes suggest a long-lived reworking of the preexisting crust.•The source of the granulite-facies metamorphic rocks is likely the garnet-bearing middle crust.•The Dunhuang Block was possibly an active continental margin during the Paleoproterozoic.