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Mining · head to head

Minemax vs Surpac

Minemax logo

Minemax

Mining

Integrated mining software for geological and operational excellence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Surpac logo

Surpac

Mining

Geology and mine planning software for all mining methods

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; Surpac 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published
  • They diverge on capability: Minemax covers Geological modeling, Surpac covers Geological database.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Minemax and Surpac actually diverge.

Attributes where Minemax and Surpac differ
AttributeMinemaxSurpac
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
  • Production scheduling
  • Pit optimization
  • Datamine
  • Vulcan
  • Surpac
  • Leapfrog
  • SAP

Only in Surpac

  • Geological database
  • Block modeling
  • Workflow automation
  • MineSched
  • PCBC
  • Whittle
  • GEMS
  • 3DEXPERIENCE

Both cover

  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • 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 Surpac
  • Life of mine planning to maximise net present valuenot Surpac
  • Operational short interval mine schedulingnot Surpac

Surpac

  • Geological modelingnot Minemax
  • Mine planningnot Minemax
  • Resource estimationnot Minemax
  • Grade controlnot Minemax
  • Production trackingnot 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

Surpac

  • 3ds.com's Surpac page describes nine product modules in detail but every pricing action is a 'Speak with an expert' or 'Contact us' CTA, with no edition names or figures published

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

Surpac

On request
  • Surpac Core$6000/year
    • 3D visualization
    • Geological database
    • Surface modeling
  • Surpac Advanced$12000/year
    • Block modeling
    • Resource estimation
    • Mine design
  • Surpac Complete$20000/year
    • All modules
    • Underground planning
    • Scheduling integration

Which should you pick?

Choose Minemax if

  • You need geological modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want production scheduling.
Minemax review

Choose Surpac if

  • You need geological database.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want block modeling.
Surpac review

Questions people ask

Is Minemax or Surpac better?
Neither clearly leads. Minemax starts at On request and Surpac at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Minemax or Surpac?
Minemax starts at On request and Surpac at On request.
Does Minemax or Surpac 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 Surpac is typically brought in for.
What can Minemax do that Surpac cannot?
Minemax covers Geological modeling, Production scheduling, Pit optimization, Datamine. Surpac covers Geological database, Block modeling, Workflow automation, MineSched. Both handle Mine design, Resource estimation, 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
Surpac: What is the pricing for GEOVIA Surpac?

GEOVIA Surpac does not publish pricing on its website. Pricing must be obtained by contacting Dassault Systèmes directly through their sales process.

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
Surpac: Is a trial version available without contacting sales?

The product page does not mention a self-service trial. To access a trial or demo, you need to contact the sales team through the website's contact form.

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
Surpac: Are there different editions or licensing options for Surpac?

The product page does not specify different editions or licensing options. Details about licensing variations are available only through direct contact with Dassault Systèmes.

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
Surpac: How do I get started with GEOVIA Surpac?

To get started, you can join the GEOVIA user community or contact Dassault Systèmes directly using the contact link on the product page.

Source
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