美澳就稀土开发达成协议，日本也参与其中

Group 1 - The agreement between the US and Australia focuses on the development of critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements, with an investment of over $3 billion planned within six months [2][4] - The agreement consists of multiple development projects, including joint ventures by US Aluminum and processing investments by US companies in Australia, with Japan also participating in one of the projects [4] - Australia is a leading producer of rare earths but lacks processing capabilities, prompting companies like Lynas Rare Earths to enhance their supply chains by relocating processing operations [5] Group 2 - The US aims to reduce its dependence on China for rare earths, especially after China implemented new export controls requiring government approval for products containing over 0.1% of domestic rare earths [5] - The Nolans Project by Arafura Rare Earths in Australia, once initiated, is expected to account for 5% of global rare earth production, focusing on the extraction and processing of neodymium and praseodymium [5] - In defense cooperation, Australia is pressing the US to provide nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS security framework, with plans for the US to sell up to five submarines to Australia by the 2030s [5][6]