As part of the strategic partnership, NORCAT will be creating interactive and experiential technology for equipment operator and maintenance training.

Among other things, the tools will include virtual reality (VR) pre-operational circle check training methods and exercises for mine equipment such as forklifts and utility vehicles.

NORCAT's technology director Ed Wisniewski believes experiential learning technologies like these are "the future of training and engaged learning" and can create an "immersive learning experience".

Chris Bamberger, Vale's manager of learning and development, North Atlantic Operations, said the partnership would advance the miner's VR training capabilities.

"We look forward to increased collaboration and innovation around this critical space to transform the future of work and learning in the global mining industry," he added.

NORCAT's training and development director Jason Bubba sees this as another development step for a "new world of training" in a "new world of work".

"NORCAT is excited to partner with Vale to continue to engage, educate and strengthen the future mining workforce to ensure workers have the skills, competencies, and confidence to do their job both safely and productively," he said.