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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Promine

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Promine logo

Promine

Mining

Complete mining software suite built on AutoCAD

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; Promine requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Promine covers AutoCAD integration.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where 3DEC and Promine differ
Attribute3DECPromine
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811993

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
  • Vulcan
  • Python

Only in Promine

  • AutoCAD integration
  • Drill hole management
  • Block modeling
  • Underground planning
  • Ventilation design
  • AutoCAD
  • Surpac
  • Excel

Both cover

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

Promine

  • Mine designnot 3DEC
  • Geological modelingnot 3DEC
  • Underground planningnot 3DEC
  • Ventilation 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

Promine

  • Requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership
  • Limited standalone capability compared to all-in-one mining software

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Promine

On request
  • Promine Standard$3500/year
    • Drill hole management
    • Block modeling
    • Geological modeling
  • Promine Professional$6000/year
    • All Standard features
    • Underground planning
    • Ventilation analysis
  • Enterprise$15000/year
    • All modules included
    • Unlimited users
    • Priority 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 Promine if

  • You need autocad integration.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drill hole management.
Promine review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Promine better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Promine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Promine?
3DEC starts at On request and Promine at On request.
Does 3DEC or Promine run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Promine 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 Promine is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Promine cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Promine covers AutoCAD integration, Drill hole management, Block modeling, Underground planning. Both handle Leapfrog, 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
Promine: What CAD platforms does Promine support?

Promine is available as a plugin for AutoCAD and BricsCAD. It is supported on AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, and BricsCAD versions 2014 through the newest released versions.

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
Promine: What file formats can Promine import?

Promine is compatible with files in .dxf, .dm, .txt and .csv formats, allowing integration with drawings from other mining software.

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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