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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs Promine

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Promine logo

Promine

Mining

Complete mining software suite built on AutoCAD

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; Promine requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Promine covers AutoCAD integration.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and Promine actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and Promine differ
AttributeFLAC3DPromine
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWindows
Founded19811993

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 Promine

  • AutoCAD integration
  • Drill hole management
  • Block modeling
  • Underground planning
  • Ventilation design
  • Surpac
  • Excel
  • Database systems

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

Promine

  • Mine designnot FLAC3D
  • Geological modelingnot FLAC3D
  • Underground planningnot FLAC3D
  • Ventilation 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

Promine

  • Requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership
  • Limited standalone capability compared to all-in-one mining software

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

Promine

On request
  • Promine Standard$3500/year
    • Drill hole management
    • Block modeling
    • Geological modeling
  • Promine Professional$6000/year
    • All Standard features
    • Underground planning
    • Ventilation analysis
  • Enterprise$15000/year
    • All modules included
    • Unlimited users
    • Priority support

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 Promine if

  • You need autocad integration.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drill hole management.
Promine review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or Promine better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and Promine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or Promine?
FLAC3D starts at On request and Promine at On request.
Does FLAC3D or Promine run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. Promine 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 Promine is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that Promine cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Promine covers AutoCAD integration, Drill hole management, Block modeling, Underground planning. 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
Promine: What CAD platforms does Promine support?

Promine is available as a plugin for AutoCAD and BricsCAD. It is supported on AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, and BricsCAD versions 2014 through the newest released versions.

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
Promine: What file formats can Promine import?

Promine is compatible with files in .dxf, .dm, .txt and .csv formats, allowing integration with drawings from other mining software.

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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