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Mining · head to head

3DEC vs Trimble Mining

3

3DEC

Mining

3D distinct element code for underground mining

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Trimble Mining logo

Trimble Mining

Mining

Complete mining operation management 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; Trimble Mining no public pricing information available
  • They diverge on capability: 3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Trimble Mining covers Fleet management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 3DEC and Trimble Mining actually diverge.

Attributes where 3DEC and Trimble Mining differ
Attribute3DECTrimble Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Ios, Android, Windows
Founded19811978

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 Trimble Mining

  • Fleet management
  • GNSS positioning
  • Real-time tracking
  • Operations analytics
  • Equipment optimization
  • CAT MineStar
  • Komatsu KOMTRAX
  • GPS 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 Trimble Mining
  • Slope stability and pillar analysis for miningnot Trimble Mining
  • Blast and earthquake dynamic analysisnot Trimble Mining
  • Groundwater flow through fractured rocknot Trimble Mining
  • Coupled thermal, mechanical and hydraulic modelling for geothermal, CO2 sequestration and nuclear wastenot Trimble Mining

Trimble Mining

  • Fleet managementnot 3DEC
  • Equipment trackingnot 3DEC
  • Production monitoringnot 3DEC
  • Safety managementnot 3DEC
  • Operations optimizationnot 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

Trimble Mining

  • No public pricing information available
  • Quote-required model limits transparency

Pricing, plan by plan

3DEC

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

Trimble Mining

On request
  • Trimble Mining Suite$50000/year
    • Fleet management
    • Positioning systems
    • Operations analytics

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 Trimble Mining if

  • You need fleet management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Windows.
  • You also want gnss positioning.
Trimble Mining review

Questions people ask

Is 3DEC or Trimble Mining better?
Neither clearly leads. 3DEC starts at On request and Trimble Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 3DEC or Trimble Mining?
3DEC starts at On request and Trimble Mining at On request.
Does 3DEC or Trimble Mining run on more platforms?
3DEC runs on Windows, Linux. Trimble Mining runs on Web, Ios, Android, 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 Trimble Mining is typically brought in for.
What can 3DEC do that Trimble Mining cannot?
3DEC covers 3D distinct element analysis, Block motion tracking, Contact detection, Support design. Trimble Mining covers Fleet management, GNSS positioning, Real-time tracking, Operations analytics. 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
Trimble Mining: Does Trimble Mining publish pricing online?

No pricing information is available on the website. Customers must contact the company for a personalized quote based on their specific mining operation needs.

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
Trimble Mining: What is included in a typical Trimble Mining deployment?

The site describes solutions for equipment tracking, safety, and productivity, but specific deployment configurations and associated costs are not published and require direct consultation.

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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