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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Micromine

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Micromine logo

Micromine

Mining

Exploration and mine design software solution

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; Micromine no pricing information published on website
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Micromine covers Data management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Micromine differ
Attribute3DECMicromine
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb
Founded19811986

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
  • Python
  • Linux support

Only in Micromine

  • Data management
  • Geological modeling
  • Resource estimation
  • Mine design
  • Scheduling
  • AutoCAD
  • ArcGIS
  • 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 Micromine
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Micromine
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Micromine
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Micromine
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Micromine

Micromine

  • Geological exploration and modellingnot 3DEC
  • Resource estimation and geostatisticsnot 3DEC
  • Mine design and surveyingnot 3DEC
  • Mine planning and schedulingnot 3DEC
  • Fleet management and mine operationsnot 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

Micromine

  • No pricing information published on website
  • Customers must schedule demos to learn pricing
  • Pricing requires direct sales contact

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Micromine

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Micromine 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 Micromine if

  • You need data management.
  • You also want geological modeling.
Micromine review

Questions people ask

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

Micromine does not publish pricing on their website. Customers are directed to schedule a demo with a specialist or contact the sales team to obtain pricing information for Micromine mining software.

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
Micromine: What is Micromine's business model for pricing?

Micromine uses a custom pricing model that requires direct engagement with their sales team. The company emphasizes consultation with specialists and custom demonstrations rather than transparent online pricing.

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
Micromine: Does Micromine offer free trials or consultations?

Micromine's website emphasizes connecting with representatives for demos, consultations, and training support. Specific trial availability and terms are discussed directly with their sales team.

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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