A little known industry that happens to be Wyoming’s biggest export piqued the interest of one mechanic last year. But sudden industry changes threw his family’s future into limbo.

The country has an ambitious goal to reach $12 billion in mining exports in 2023, but industry leaders say they can’t get ahead without reliable electricity.

"When somebody has something good to say about you, you’d say, 'You know what? That’s great.'”

The obscure minerals are much more costly to mine in America.