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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Fusion Mining

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Fusion Mining logo

Fusion Mining

Mining

Integrated mine development software

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store; Fusion Mining no published pricing information; described as a full-service digital product studio
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Fusion Mining actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Fusion Mining differ
AttributeFLAC3DFusion Mining
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19812004

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 FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • Python scripting
  • Linux support

Only in Fusion Mining

  • Geological modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Database management
  • 3D visualization
  • Vulcan
  • Excel

Both cover

  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

FLAC3D

  • Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot Fusion Mining
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Fusion Mining
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Fusion Mining

Fusion Mining

  • Geological modelingnot FLAC3D
  • Mine planningnot FLAC3D
  • Resource estimationnot FLAC3D
  • Exploration databasesnot FLAC3D

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

FLAC3D

  • The FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Advanced capabilities including Dynamics, Thermal, Creep and IMASS are optional modules sold separately from the base licence
  • Licence portability depends on a physical USB key or a web licence managed centrally, rather than a simple sign in
  • One licence permits only two simultaneous instances on the same computer

Fusion Mining

  • No published pricing information; described as a full-service digital product studio
  • Pricing determined through direct consultation based on project scope

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

On request
  • FLAC3D Professional$22000/year
    • 3D finite difference analysis
    • Slope stability
    • Mine design

Fusion Mining

On request
  • Fusion Standard$8500/year
    • Geological modeling
    • Mine design
    • Resource estimation

Which should you pick?

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.

Choose Fusion Mining if

  • You need geological modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want mine design.

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or Fusion Mining better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Fusion Mining?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Fusion Mining at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Fusion Mining run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Fusion Mining runs on Windows.
What is FLAC3D best used for?
FLAC3D is most often used for three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour, analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving, coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structures. Of those, three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviour and analysing underground excavation and mine stability including caving are not what Fusion Mining is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Fusion Mining cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Fusion Mining covers Geological modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation, Database management. Both handle AutoCAD, Leapfrog, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FLAC3D: What licensing models does FLAC3D offer?

FLAC3D offers perpetual licenses (one-time purchase) and subscription licenses (recurring payments). Web-based license management allows central organizational control.

Source
Fusion Mining: How does Fusion pricing work?

Fusion is a full-service digital product studio offering strategy, design, and technology solutions. No pricing information is published on their website. Interested parties are directed to contact Fusion directly at 1300 849 158 or through their contact page to discuss services and pricing.

Source
FLAC3D: Can I run multiple instances of FLAC3D with one license?

Yes. FLAC3D licenses allow two instances to run simultaneously on the same computer.

Source
Fusion Mining: What services does Fusion offer?

Fusion provides strategy, design, and technology services for digital product development. Custom pricing is available based on specific project requirements and scope.

Source
FLAC3D: How do I get a free trial or demo of FLAC3D?

FLAC3D offers a free software demo download. Visitors can request the demo through the product page or contact the company directly.

Source
FLAC3D: What is the pricing for FLAC3D?

Specific pricing is not listed on the product page. Users must request a quote through the 'REQUEST A QUOTE' button or purchase through the FastSpring payment processor.

Source
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