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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs MineSight

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MineSight logo

MineSight

Mining

Integrated mine design and planning 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; MineSight mineSight (now part of Hexagon Mining) sells time-limited lease licenses rather than perpetual seats for exploration-stage users: License to Explore is scoped explicitly to "the life of a drilling campaign" and comes as two separate products, HxM Explorer and HxM Modeler, with additional functionality (UAV point-cloud surface meshing, a QAQC module) sold as further add-ons rather than included (archived press release, 6 March 2016)
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, MineSight covers Geological modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and MineSight actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and MineSight differ
AttributeFLAC3DMineSight
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

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 MineSight

  • Geological modeling
  • 3D mine design
  • Production scheduling
  • Resource estimation
  • Operations planning
  • ArcGIS
  • SAP
  • Oracle

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

MineSight

  • Mine planningnot FLAC3D
  • Resource schedulingnot FLAC3D
  • Pit designnot FLAC3D
  • Underground developmentnot FLAC3D
  • Production optimizationnot 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

MineSight

  • MineSight (now part of Hexagon Mining) sells time-limited lease licenses rather than perpetual seats for exploration-stage users: License to Explore is scoped explicitly to "the life of a drilling campaign" and comes as two separate products, HxM Explorer and HxM Modeler, with additional functionality (UAV point-cloud surface meshing, a QAQC module) sold as further add-ons rather than included (archived press release, 6 March 2016)

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

MineSight

On request
  • MineSight Core$18000/year
    • Geological modeling
    • Mine design
    • Block modeling
  • MineSight Advanced$35000/year
    • Production scheduling
    • Resource estimation
    • Advanced optimization

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 MineSight if

  • You need geological modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want 3d mine design.
MineSight review

Questions people ask

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