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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Hexagon PPM Mining

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hexagon PPM Mining logo

Hexagon PPM Mining

Mining

Enterprise asset management for mining operations

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; Hexagon PPM Mining pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Hexagon PPM Mining differ
Attribute3DECHexagon PPM Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows, Cloud
Founded19811975

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
  • Leapfrog
  • Vulcan

Only in Hexagon PPM Mining

  • Asset lifecycle management
  • 3D plant visualization
  • Document management
  • Work order management
  • Reliability analytics
  • Mobile inspections
  • SAP
  • Oracle

Both cover

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

Hexagon PPM Mining

  • Asset lifecycle managementnot 3DEC
  • Maintenance optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Document controlnot 3DEC
  • Work managementnot 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

Hexagon PPM Mining

  • Pricing is custom and not publicly transparent, requiring direct negotiation with sales teams
  • Block model management traditionally lacked version control and audit trails, though the new Block Model Manager addresses this
  • Manual configuration of pit optimization scenarios is time-consuming and limits the ability to evaluate multiple scenarios quickly
  • Implementation and adoption require significant training due to the breadth of modules and complex workflows

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Hexagon PPM Mining

On request
  • Hexagon PPM Standard$undefined/month
    • Asset management
    • Document control
    • 3D visualization
  • Hexagon PPM Enterprise$undefined/month
    • All Standard
    • Enterprise integration
    • Advanced analytics

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 Hexagon PPM Mining if

  • You need asset lifecycle management.
  • You work on Windows, Cloud.
  • You also want 3d plant visualization.
Hexagon PPM Mining review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Hexagon PPM Mining better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Hexagon PPM Mining?
3DEC starts at On request and Hexagon PPM Mining at On request.
Does 3DEC or Hexagon PPM Mining run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Hexagon PPM Mining runs on Windows, Cloud.
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 Hexagon PPM Mining is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Hexagon PPM Mining cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Hexagon PPM Mining covers Asset lifecycle management, 3D plant visualization, Document management, Work order management. Both handle 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
Hexagon PPM Mining: What does Hexagon MinePlan do?

Hexagon MinePlan is an integrated mine planning platform that handles 3D modeling, geological interpretation, block modeling, resource estimation, pit optimization, mine design, and scheduling for open pit and underground mines.

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
Hexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan have APIs for integration?

Yes. The Block Model Manager includes APIs for custom analytics and seamless integration with other mining software like Datamine and Vulcan, eliminating manual import/export of block model data.

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
Hexagon PPM Mining: How much does Hexagon MinePlan cost?

Hexagon does not publicly list pricing. Costs are customized based on selected modules (geological modeling, pit optimization, scheduling, etc.), mine size and complexity, and support requirements. Licensing can be perpetual or subscription-based.

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
Hexagon PPM Mining: What platforms does Hexagon MinePlan run on?

Hexagon MinePlan runs on Windows operating systems and supports cloud deployment options through Hexagon's cloud infrastructure.

Source
Hexagon PPM Mining: Does Hexagon MinePlan offer training and support?

Yes. Hexagon provides comprehensive training programs, documentation, and customer support services for MinePlan users, with training resources available through their support portal.

Source
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