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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Fusion Mining

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Fusion Mining logo

Fusion Mining

Mining

Integrated mine development software

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; Fusion Mining no published pricing information; described as a full-service digital product studio
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Fusion Mining actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Fusion Mining differ
Attribute3DECFusion Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19812004

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 Fusion Mining

  • Geological modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Database management
  • 3D visualization
  • AutoCAD
  • Excel

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

Fusion Mining

  • Geological modelingnot 3DEC
  • Mine planningnot 3DEC
  • Resource estimationnot 3DEC
  • Exploration databasesnot 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

Fusion Mining

  • No published pricing information; described as a full-service digital product studio
  • Pricing determined through direct consultation based on project scope

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Fusion Mining

On request
  • Fusion Standard$8500/year
    • Geological modeling
    • Mine design
    • Resource estimation

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 Fusion Mining if

  • You need geological modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want mine design.
Fusion Mining review

Questions people ask

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

Fusion is a full-service digital product studio offering strategy, design, and technology solutions. No pricing information is published on their website. Interested parties are directed to contact Fusion directly at 1300 849 158 or through their contact page to discuss services and pricing.

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
Fusion Mining: What services does Fusion offer?

Fusion provides strategy, design, and technology services for digital product development. Custom pricing is available based on specific project requirements and scope.

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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