Softwr

Mining · head to head

3DEC vs OptiMine

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OptiMine logo

OptiMine

Mining

Underground mining optimization and analytics

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; OptiMine modular architecture requires selective implementation and configuration knowledge to build a complete solution
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, OptiMine covers Real-time tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and OptiMine differ
Attribute3DECOptiMine
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Cloud
Founded19812018

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 OptiMine

  • Real-time tracking
  • Production analytics
  • Ventilation on demand
  • Collision avoidance
  • Maintenance optimization
  • Epiroc equipment
  • Third-party LHDs
  • SCADA systems

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

OptiMine

  • Fleet trackingnot 3DEC
  • Production monitoringnot 3DEC
  • Safety optimizationnot 3DEC
  • Maintenance planningnot 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

OptiMine

  • Modular architecture requires selective implementation and configuration knowledge to build a complete solution
  • No pricing information publicly available; requires direct vendor contact for quotes
  • Enterprise-only deployment without clear path for smaller mining operations

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

OptiMine

On request
  • OptiMine Analytics$35000/year
    • Equipment tracking
    • Production analytics
    • Basic dashboards
  • OptiMine Full$75000/year
    • All Analytics features
    • Ventilation on demand
    • Collision avoidance
  • OptiMine EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-site deployment
    • Custom integrations
    • Dedicated support

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 OptiMine if

  • You need real-time tracking.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want production analytics.
OptiMine review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or OptiMine better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and OptiMine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or OptiMine?
3DEC starts at On request and OptiMine at On request.
Does 3DEC or OptiMine run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. OptiMine runs on Web, 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 OptiMine is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that OptiMine cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. OptiMine covers Real-time tracking, Production analytics, Ventilation on demand, Collision avoidance. 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
OptiMine: What is OptiMine used for?

OptiMine is a modular information management suite for underground mining that integrates data from all equipment and people into a single source, providing real-time descriptive and predictive insights for production optimization and decision-making.

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
OptiMine: Does OptiMine work with non-Sandvik equipment?

Yes. OptiMine is OEM-agnostic and can integrate with any equipment system and technology, including non-Sandvik mining equipment and IoT devices like Newtrax systems.

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
OptiMine: What geographies is OptiMine deployed in?

OptiMine is deployed in more than 60 mines worldwide, making it a globally used solution for underground hard rock mining operations.

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
OptiMine: Does OptiMine offer an API for integrations?

OptiMine is designed as an open and scalable modular suite that can connect with any system and technology, but specific API documentation is not publicly available. Contact Sandvik directly for technical integration details.

Source
OptiMine: What are the typical implementation costs?

OptiMine has no publicly listed pricing. Enterprise customers must contact Sandvik's Mining and Rock Solutions division directly for custom quotes based on their specific implementation scope.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on 3DEC

More on OptiMine

Keep looking

Other head to heads