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Mining · head to head

Micromine vs UDEC

Micromine logo

Micromine

Mining

Exploration and mine design software solution

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
U

UDEC

Mining

Universal distinct element code for mining analysis

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Micromine no pricing information published on website; UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: Micromine covers Data management, UDEC covers Distinct element modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Micromine and UDEC actually diverge.

Attributes where Micromine and UDEC differ
AttributeMicromineUDEC
Pricing modelquotesubscription
PlatformsWebWindows, Linux
Founded19861981

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 Micromine

  • Data management
  • Geological modeling
  • Resource estimation
  • Mine design
  • Scheduling
  • Vulcan
  • ArcGIS
  • Excel

Only in UDEC

  • Distinct element modeling
  • Joint network modeling
  • Block interaction analysis
  • Support interaction
  • Dynamic analysis
  • FLAC3D
  • 3DEC
  • Linux support

Both cover

  • Leapfrog
  • AutoCAD
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Micromine

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

UDEC

  • Geotechnical engineering simulationsnot Micromine
  • Discrete element modeling and analysisnot Micromine
  • Mining and tunneling software analysisnot Micromine

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Micromine

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

UDEC

  • The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
  • Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
  • Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence

Pricing, plan by plan

Micromine

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Micromine review.

UDEC

On request
  • UDEC Professional$19000/year
    • Distinct element analysis
    • Joint modeling
    • Block interaction

Which should you pick?

Choose Micromine if

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

Choose UDEC if

  • You need distinct element modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want joint network modeling.
UDEC review

Questions people ask

Is Micromine or UDEC better?
Neither clearly leads. Micromine starts at On request and UDEC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Micromine or UDEC?
Micromine starts at On request and UDEC at On request.
Does Micromine or UDEC run on more platforms?
Micromine runs on Web. UDEC runs on Windows, Linux.
What is Micromine best used for?
Micromine is most often used for geological exploration and modelling, resource estimation and geostatistics, mine design and surveying, mine planning and scheduling. Of those, geological exploration and modelling and resource estimation and geostatistics are not what UDEC is typically brought in for.
What can Micromine do that UDEC cannot?
Micromine covers Data management, Geological modeling, Resource estimation, Mine design. UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Both handle Leapfrog, AutoCAD, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
UDEC: How much does UDEC cost?

UDEC pricing is not published on the product page. The vendor directs inquiries through an 'Ask an Expert' contact option at [email protected] or a 'Request a Quote' option through the itascasoftware.com store.

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
UDEC: What is UDEC's pricing model?

UDEC is available through a subscription model rather than one-time licensing. Prepaid annual subscriptions are available through the software store, and pricing is customized based on quote requests.

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
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