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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Micromine

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Micromine logo

Micromine

Mining

Exploration and mine design software solution

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; Micromine no pricing information published on website
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Micromine covers Data management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Micromine actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Micromine differ
AttributeFLAC3DMicromine
Pricing modelsubscriptionquote
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb
Founded19811986

Identical on both: starting price (On request), 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 Micromine

  • Data management
  • Geological modeling
  • Resource estimation
  • Mine design
  • Scheduling
  • Vulcan
  • ArcGIS
  • 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 Micromine
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Micromine
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Micromine

Micromine

  • Geological exploration and modellingnot FLAC3D
  • Resource estimation and geostatisticsnot FLAC3D
  • Mine design and surveyingnot FLAC3D
  • Mine planning and schedulingnot FLAC3D
  • Fleet management and mine operationsnot 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

Micromine

  • No pricing information published on website
  • Customers must schedule demos to learn pricing
  • Pricing requires direct sales contact

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

Micromine

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Micromine review.

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 Micromine if

  • You need data management.
  • You also want geological modeling.
Micromine review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or Micromine better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Micromine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Micromine?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Micromine at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Micromine run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Micromine runs on Web.
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 Micromine is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Micromine cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Micromine covers Data management, Geological modeling, Resource estimation, Mine design. 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
Micromine: How much does Micromine software cost?

Micromine does not publish pricing on their website. Customers are directed to schedule a demo with a specialist or contact the sales team to obtain pricing information for Micromine mining software.

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
Micromine: What is Micromine's business model for pricing?

Micromine uses a custom pricing model that requires direct engagement with their sales team. The company emphasizes consultation with specialists and custom demonstrations rather than transparent online pricing.

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
Micromine: Does Micromine offer free trials or consultations?

Micromine's website emphasizes connecting with representatives for demos, consultations, and training support. Specific trial availability and terms are discussed directly with their sales team.

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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