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Mining · head to head

Minemax vs PCBC

Minemax logo

Minemax

Mining

Integrated mining software for geological and operational excellence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PCBC logo

PCBC

Mining

Pit optimisation and scheduling software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Minemax minemax.com/products returns a 301 redirect to dataminesoftware.com; Minemax products are now sold within the Datamine planning range; PCBC dassault Systemes GEOVIA PCBC has no published commercial pricing and is sold via direct contact, with a separate Academic License Program as the only named alternative tier
  • They diverge on capability: Minemax covers Geological modeling, PCBC covers Pushback scheduling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Minemax and PCBC actually diverge.

Attributes where Minemax and PCBC differ
AttributeMinemaxPCBC
Founded19951981

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows), 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 Minemax

  • Geological modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Production scheduling
  • Datamine
  • Leapfrog
  • SAP

Only in PCBC

  • Pushback scheduling
  • Cutoff grade analysis
  • NPV maximization
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Whittle
  • MineSched

Both cover

  • Pit optimization
  • Vulcan
  • Surpac
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Minemax

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

PCBC

  • Pit optimizationnot Minemax
  • Pushback designnot Minemax
  • Cutoff optimizationnot Minemax
  • Economic analysisnot Minemax

Where each one falls short

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

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

PCBC

  • Dassault Systemes GEOVIA PCBC has no published commercial pricing and is sold via direct contact, with a separate Academic License Program as the only named alternative tier

Pricing, plan by plan

Minemax

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

PCBC

On request
  • PCBC Standard$12000/year
    • Pit optimization
    • Pushback design
    • Economic analysis

Which should you pick?

Choose Minemax if

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

Choose PCBC if

  • You need pushback scheduling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want cutoff grade analysis.
PCBC review

Questions people ask

Is Minemax or PCBC better?
Neither clearly leads. Minemax starts at On request and PCBC at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Minemax or PCBC?
Minemax starts at On request and PCBC at On request.
Does Minemax or PCBC run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is Minemax best used for?
Minemax is most often used for strategic open pit and underground mine schedule optimisation, life of mine planning to maximise net present value, operational short interval mine scheduling. Of those, strategic open pit and underground mine schedule optimisation and life of mine planning to maximise net present value are not what PCBC is typically brought in for.
What can Minemax do that PCBC cannot?
Minemax covers Geological modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation, Production scheduling. PCBC covers Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization, Sensitivity analysis. Both handle Pit optimization, Vulcan, Surpac, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Minemax: Is MineMax still sold under its original name?

No. MineMax has been consolidated into Datamine Software and is no longer sold as a standalone product. The product is referenced as 'Minemax Tempo' and other Minemax-branded modules within Datamine's planning bundles.

Source
PCBC: Where can I find GEOVIA PCBC pricing?

GEOVIA does not publish pricing on the product page. Interested buyers should contact GEOVIA directly via their contact link or visit the full GEOVIA website to request pricing information.

Source
Minemax: Does Datamine publish its pricing?

No. Datamine uses a role-based licensing model with demo and contact forms required to get pricing. The site directs prospects to 'Talk to us' rather than displaying public rates.

Source
PCBC: How can I learn more about PCBC before purchasing?

GEOVIA provides a user community resource where real-world users share experiences. You can also contact their sales team directly for product information and trial inquiries.

Source
Minemax: What is the licensing model for Datamine planning software?

Datamine offers role-based planning bundles including Strategic Mine Planner, Operations Planner, and Surveyor/Technician bundles. Each bundle includes a specific set of modules. A la carte individual licenses are also available.

Source
Minemax: Do bundled licenses offer savings?

Yes. Datamine states that bundled licenses can save up to 33 percent compared to purchasing standalone licenses for the same modules.

Source
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