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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Datamine

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
D

Datamine

Mining

Integrated mining software for resource estimation and planning

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; Datamine datamine publishes no price, no licence term and no named cost driver; the planning pages route buyers to a consultation or a sales contact form
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Datamine covers Resource estimation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Datamine actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Datamine differ
Attribute3DECDatamine
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811986

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), 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
  • Python
  • Linux support

Only in Datamine

  • Resource estimation
  • Geostatistical analysis
  • Geological modeling
  • Block modeling
  • Grade control
  • Surpac
  • MineSight
  • SAP

Both cover

  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan
  • Windows support

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 Datamine
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Datamine
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Datamine
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Datamine
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Datamine

Datamine

  • Geological modelling and resource estimation for mining projectsnot 3DEC
  • Open pit and underground mine design and schedulingnot 3DEC
  • Drill and blast design, survey and production reconciliationnot 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

Datamine

  • Datamine publishes no price, no licence term and no named cost driver; the planning pages route buyers to a consultation or a sales contact form
  • The portfolio is split into many separate products across strategy, design, scheduling, blasting, survey and production, so a complete workflow requires assembling several licences
  • Products acquired from other vendors, including Minemax Scheduler and Minemax Tempo, are now sold inside Datamine bundles rather than standalone

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Datamine

On request
  • Datamine Studio$14000/year
    • Resource estimation
    • Geostatistics
    • Geological modeling
  • Datamine Advanced$24000/year
    • Advanced optimization
    • Strategic planning
    • Risk analysis

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 Datamine if

  • You need resource estimation.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want geostatistical analysis.
Datamine review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Datamine better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Datamine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Datamine?
3DEC starts at On request and Datamine at On request.
Does 3DEC or Datamine run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Datamine runs on Windows.
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 Datamine is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Datamine cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Datamine covers Resource estimation, Geostatistical analysis, Geological modeling, Block modeling. Both handle Leapfrog, Vulcan, Windows support.

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
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
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
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
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