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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs K-MINE

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
K-MINE logo

K-MINE

Mining

Mine planning and optimization software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; K-MINE modules are licensed separately as annual subscriptions, from 2,700 USD a year for Infrastructure up to 9,480 USD a year for Open Pit Design
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, K-MINE covers Mine planning.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and K-MINE actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and K-MINE differ
AttributeFLAC3DK-MINE
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19812001

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
  • Leapfrog
  • Python scripting

Only in K-MINE

  • Mine planning
  • 3D design
  • Production scheduling
  • Economic evaluation
  • Risk analysis
  • Vulcan
  • Surpac
  • Datamine

Both cover

  • AutoCAD
  • 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 K-MINE
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot K-MINE
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot K-MINE

K-MINE

  • Open pit surveying, pit design, scheduling and pit optimisationnot FLAC3D
  • Underground mine design, stope optimisation and ventilation analysisnot FLAC3D
  • Geological modelling and grade estimation from drillhole datanot FLAC3D
  • Drill and blast design and slope stability analysisnot 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

K-MINE

  • Modules are licensed separately as annual subscriptions, from 2,700 USD a year for Infrastructure up to 9,480 USD a year for Open Pit Design
  • Geology is 9,060 USD a year, Pit Optimizer 8,580 USD, Scheduling 7,380 USD, Stope Optimization 6,960 USD and Surveying 6,600 USD, so a full workflow means stacking several module subscriptions
  • A licence is assigned either to a dedicated server or to a single computer workstation, with one active device at a time
  • Licences are online, with offline access limited to 2 days
  • Training is priced by custom quote and is not included in the published module rates
  • Volume discounts are referenced but no discount rate or qualifying quantity is published

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

K-MINE

On request
  • K-MINE Professional$9000/year
    • Mine planning
    • 3D design
    • Scheduling

Which should you pick?

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D review

Choose K-MINE if

  • You need mine planning.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want 3d design.
K-MINE review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or K-MINE better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and K-MINE at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or K-MINE?
FLAC3D starts at On request and K-MINE at On request.
Does FLAC3D or K-MINE run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. K-MINE 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 K-MINE is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that K-MINE cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. K-MINE covers Mine planning, 3D design, Production scheduling, Economic evaluation. Both handle AutoCAD, 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
K-MINE: How much does K-MINE cost?

K-MINE does not publish pricing publicly. Customers must visit the dedicated pricing page, request a demo, or contact the sales team via phone or scheduling link to obtain quote information.

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
K-MINE: What pricing options does K-MINE offer?

K-MINE offers software licenses, consulting services, training, and support options. Exact pricing is determined through custom quotes based on requirements.

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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