Softwr

Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Minviro

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Minviro logo

Minviro

Mining

Environmental impact management for mining

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; Minviro no price, plan or licensing term is published anywhere on the site, and there is no pricing link in the navigation; the only routes are a demo booking form and a contact form
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Minviro covers Environmental assessment.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Minviro differ
Attribute3DECMinviro
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Windows
Founded19812015

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 Minviro

  • Environmental assessment
  • Impact modeling
  • Risk evaluation
  • Compliance tracking
  • Regulatory reporting
  • GIS systems
  • EQuIS
  • ArcGIS

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

Minviro

  • Life cycle assessment of mining and battery raw material supply chainsnot 3DEC
  • Producing ISO compliant LCA reports for regulatory market accessnot 3DEC
  • Comparing decarbonisation scenarios and benchmarking products against peersnot 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

Minviro

  • No price, plan or licensing term is published anywhere on the site, and there is no pricing link in the navigation; the only routes are a demo booking form and a contact form
  • The XYCLE software is sold alongside consultancy and custom data provision rather than as a self service product
  • No system requirements or usage limits are stated

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Minviro

On request
  • Minviro Standard$18000/year
    • Environmental assessment
    • Impact modeling
    • Compliance tracking

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 Minviro if

  • You need environmental assessment.
  • You work on Web, Windows.
  • You also want impact modeling.
Minviro review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Minviro better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Minviro at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Minviro?
3DEC starts at On request and Minviro at On request.
Does 3DEC or Minviro run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Minviro runs on Web, 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 Minviro is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Minviro cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Minviro covers Environmental assessment, Impact modeling, Risk evaluation, Compliance tracking. 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
Minviro: Does Minviro publish pricing online?

No. Minviro's homepage does not display pricing tiers, costs, or billing details. Customers must contact Minviro directly to receive pricing 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
Minviro: How can I get pricing information from Minviro?

Interested customers can use Minviro's contact page or schedule a demo to discuss pricing with their sales team.

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
Minviro: What services does Minviro offer?

Minviro offers three main service areas: XYCLE software, consultancy, and data services.

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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