Softwr

Mining · head to head

3DEC vs K-MINE

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
K-MINE logo

K-MINE

Mining

Mine planning and optimization 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; K-MINE modules are licensed separately as annual subscriptions, from 2,700 USD a year for Infrastructure up to 9,480 USD a year for Open Pit Design
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, K-MINE covers Mine planning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and K-MINE actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and K-MINE differ
Attribute3DECK-MINE
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19812001

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
  • Python

Only in K-MINE

  • Mine planning
  • 3D design
  • Production scheduling
  • Economic evaluation
  • Risk analysis
  • Surpac
  • Datamine
  • AutoCAD

Both cover

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

K-MINE

  • Open pit surveying, pit design, scheduling and pit optimisationnot 3DEC
  • Underground mine design, stope optimisation and ventilation analysisnot 3DEC
  • Geological modelling and grade estimation from drillhole datanot 3DEC
  • Drill and blast design and slope stability analysisnot 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

K-MINE

  • Modules are licensed separately as annual subscriptions, from 2,700 USD a year for Infrastructure up to 9,480 USD a year for Open Pit Design
  • Geology is 9,060 USD a year, Pit Optimizer 8,580 USD, Scheduling 7,380 USD, Stope Optimization 6,960 USD and Surveying 6,600 USD, so a full workflow means stacking several module subscriptions
  • A licence is assigned either to a dedicated server or to a single computer workstation, with one active device at a time
  • Licences are online, with offline access limited to 2 days
  • Training is priced by custom quote and is not included in the published module rates
  • Volume discounts are referenced but no discount rate or qualifying quantity is published

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

K-MINE

On request
  • K-MINE Professional$9000/year
    • Mine planning
    • 3D design
    • Scheduling

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 K-MINE if

  • You need mine planning.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want 3d design.
K-MINE review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or K-MINE better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and K-MINE at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or K-MINE?
3DEC starts at On request and K-MINE at On request.
Does 3DEC or K-MINE run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. K-MINE 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 K-MINE is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that K-MINE cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. K-MINE covers Mine planning, 3D design, Production scheduling, Economic evaluation. Both handle 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
K-MINE: How much does K-MINE cost?

K-MINE does not publish pricing publicly. Customers must visit the dedicated pricing page, request a demo, or contact the sales team via phone or scheduling link to obtain quote information.

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
K-MINE: What pricing options does K-MINE offer?

K-MINE offers software licenses, consulting services, training, and support options. Exact pricing is determined through custom quotes based on requirements.

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
Share

Related pages

More on 3DEC

More on K-MINE

Keep looking

Other head to heads