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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs MineSched

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MineSched logo

MineSched

Mining

Production scheduling software 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; MineSched 3ds.com's MineSched page describes the product's scheduling features in detail but publishes no pricing, no named edition or tier, and no figure of any kind
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, MineSched covers Production scheduling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and MineSched differ
Attribute3DECMineSched
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

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 MineSched

  • Production scheduling
  • Activity sequencing
  • Resource planning
  • Constraint handling
  • Scenario analysis
  • Surpac
  • Whittle
  • PCBC

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

MineSched

  • Production planningnot 3DEC
  • Resource schedulingnot 3DEC
  • Equipment allocationnot 3DEC
  • Capacity planningnot 3DEC
  • Performance trackingnot 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

MineSched

  • 3ds.com's MineSched page describes the product's scheduling features in detail but publishes no pricing, no named edition or tier, and no figure of any kind

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

MineSched

On request
  • MineSched Standard$12000/year
    • Production scheduling
    • Gantt charts
    • Resource allocation
  • MineSched Advanced$20000/year
    • Multi-scenario planning
    • Optimization tools
    • Advanced constraints

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 MineSched if

  • You need production scheduling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want activity sequencing.
MineSched review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or MineSched better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and MineSched at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or MineSched?
3DEC starts at On request and MineSched at On request.
Does 3DEC or MineSched run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. MineSched 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 MineSched is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that MineSched cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. MineSched covers Production scheduling, Activity sequencing, Resource planning, Constraint handling. 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
MineSched: Does GEOVIA MineSched publish pricing online?

No pricing information is available on the product page. Interested customers must contact Dassault Systèmes directly through their contact form or sales team to request pricing details.

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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