Video Games Train New Miners in Peru

Giant video games with throaty diesel engines powering monster-sized earth movers, excavators and dump trucks have hardened miners at a metals conference this week in Peru giggling like children.

Far more than just a gimmick to attract customers to the Caterpillar Inc. stand, the video games are actually simulators designed to help teach people to use massive, multimillion-dollar heavy mining equipment.

Caterpillar, the world’s No. 1 heavy equipment producer, says the simulators allow companies to train people without having to take costly equipment out of service, or risk expensive accidents.

Reuters