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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Caterpillar MineStar

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Caterpillar MineStar logo

Caterpillar MineStar

Mining

Integrated technology for mining fleet management

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 3DEC pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options; Caterpillar MineStar requires significant capital investment and integration with existing fleet infrastructure
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Caterpillar MineStar covers Fleet management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Caterpillar MineStar actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Caterpillar MineStar differ
Attribute3DECCaterpillar MineStar
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, LinuxCloud-based, Remote operation stations
Founded19811925

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 3DEC

  • 3D distinct element analysis
  • Block motion tracking
  • Contact detection
  • Support design
  • Dynamic simulation
  • FLAC3D
  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan

Only in Caterpillar MineStar

  • Fleet management
  • Real-time tracking
  • Terrain management
  • Equipment health monitoring
  • Autonomous haulage
  • Drill guidance
  • CAT Equipment
  • Third-party OEM

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

3DEC

  • Three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materialsnot Caterpillar MineStar
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Caterpillar MineStar
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Caterpillar MineStar
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Caterpillar MineStar
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Caterpillar MineStar

Caterpillar MineStar

  • Fleet optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Autonomous operationsnot 3DEC
  • Equipment monitoringnot 3DEC
  • Production trackingnot 3DEC

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

3DEC

  • Pricing is not published; licences are quoted, with subscription and perpetual options
  • A specialist geomechanical tool rather than general purpose simulation, so it assumes the user is a rock mechanics engineer

Caterpillar MineStar

  • Requires significant capital investment and integration with existing fleet infrastructure
  • Complex implementation requiring specialized training for operators and management personnel
  • Primarily designed for large-scale mining operations; less suitable for smaller mines

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

On request
  • 3DEC Professional$25000/year
    • 3D distinct element analysis
    • Block-to-block interaction
    • Support installation modeling

Caterpillar MineStar

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Caterpillar MineStar review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 3DEC if

  • You need 3d distinct element analysis.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want block motion tracking.
3DEC review

Choose Caterpillar MineStar if

  • You need fleet management.
  • You work on Cloud-based, Remote operation stations.
  • You also want real-time tracking.
Caterpillar MineStar review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Caterpillar MineStar better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Caterpillar MineStar at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Caterpillar MineStar?
3DEC starts at On request and Caterpillar MineStar at On request.
Does 3DEC or Caterpillar MineStar run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Caterpillar MineStar runs on Cloud-based, Remote operation stations.
What is 3DEC best used for?
3DEC is most often used for three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials, slope stability and pillar analysis for mining, blast and earthquake dynamic analysis, groundwater flow through fractured rock. Of those, three-dimensional analysis of jointed rock and discontinuous materials and slope stability and pillar analysis for mining are not what Caterpillar MineStar is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Caterpillar MineStar cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Caterpillar MineStar covers Fleet management, Real-time tracking, Terrain management, Equipment health monitoring.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

3DEC: Does 3DEC offer a free trial before purchasing?

Yes, 3DEC provides a free demo download available via the REQUEST DEMO button on their website. However, the specific trial period length is not stated on the product page.

Source
Caterpillar MineStar: Does MineStar work with equipment from other manufacturers?

Yes. MineStar Solutions work with all types of assets and integrate with any brand of equipment, sharing data across existing machines, systems and technologies.

Source
3DEC: What licensing models does 3DEC support?

3DEC offers both subscription-based licenses (annual) and perpetual licenses. Subscription licenses are available through their FastSpring store with annual subscription terms.

Source
Caterpillar MineStar: What are the main components of MineStar?

MineStar comprises five configurable features: Fleet for equipment tracking, Terrain for haul path optimization, Detection for safety monitoring, Health for equipment maintenance, and Command for autonomous operations.

Source
3DEC: How is 3DEC pricing determined?

3DEC uses a quote-based pricing model rather than publishing fixed rates. Customers can request a quote through the website or purchase through their software store, with pricing customized based on specific needs.

Source
Caterpillar MineStar: Can MineStar be used for underground mining?

Yes. MineStar Solutions are available for both surface and underground mining operations, with dedicated technology offerings for underground safety and productivity.

Source
3DEC: What support resources are included with 3DEC?

3DEC includes documentation, tutorials, forum access, FAQs, applied examples, and training courses. Support appears to be included with purchases rather than sold separately.

Source
Caterpillar MineStar: Is MineStar a cloud-based or on-premises solution?

MineStar is a cloud-based, subscription-managed application that reduces costs of deployment, service, and training by allowing customers to select offerings by role, function, or task.

Source
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