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FLAC3D vs Minemax

F

FLAC3D

Software

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Minemax logo

Minemax

Software

Integrated mining software for geological and operational excellence

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; Minemax minemax.com/products returns a 301 redirect to dataminesoftware.com; Minemax products are now sold within the Datamine planning range
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Minemax covers Geological modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Minemax actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Minemax differ
AttributeFLAC3DMinemax
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811995

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • AutoCAD
  • Python scripting

Only in Minemax

  • Geological modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Production scheduling
  • Pit optimization
  • Datamine
  • Vulcan
  • Surpac

Both cover

  • 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 Minemax
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Minemax
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Minemax

Minemax

  • Strategic open pit and underground mine schedule optimisationnot FLAC3D
  • Life of mine planning to maximise net present valuenot FLAC3D
  • Operational short interval mine schedulingnot 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

Minemax

  • minemax.com/products returns a 301 redirect to dataminesoftware.com; Minemax products are now sold within the Datamine planning range
  • No pricing is published for any Minemax product; licences are obtained by contacting the Datamine sales team
  • Products are sold as role based Planning Bundles rather than individual licences, with the claimed saving of up to 33 percent measured against standalone licence cost

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

Minemax

On request
  • Minemax Standard$13000/year
    • Geological modeling
    • Mine design
    • Resource estimation
  • Minemax Premium$23000/year
    • Advanced optimization
    • Production scheduling
    • Fleet management

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 Minemax if

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

Questions people ask

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