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Mining · head to head

FLAC3D vs OptiMine

F

FLAC3D

Mining

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OptiMine logo

OptiMine

Mining

Underground mining optimization and analytics

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; OptiMine modular architecture requires selective implementation and configuration knowledge to build a complete solution
  • They diverge on capability: FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, OptiMine covers Real-time tracking.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FLAC3D and OptiMine actually diverge.

Attributes where FLAC3D and OptiMine differ
AttributeFLAC3DOptiMine
PlatformsWindows, LinuxWeb, Cloud
Founded19812018

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
  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog

Only in OptiMine

  • Real-time tracking
  • Production analytics
  • Ventilation on demand
  • Collision avoidance
  • Maintenance optimization
  • Epiroc equipment
  • Third-party LHDs
  • SCADA systems

Both cover

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

OptiMine

  • Fleet trackingnot FLAC3D
  • Production monitoringnot FLAC3D
  • Safety optimizationnot FLAC3D
  • Maintenance planningnot 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

OptiMine

  • Modular architecture requires selective implementation and configuration knowledge to build a complete solution
  • No pricing information publicly available; requires direct vendor contact for quotes
  • Enterprise-only deployment without clear path for smaller mining operations

Pricing, plan by plan

FLAC3D

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

OptiMine

On request
  • OptiMine Analytics$35000/year
    • Equipment tracking
    • Production analytics
    • Basic dashboards
  • OptiMine Full$75000/year
    • All Analytics features
    • Ventilation on demand
    • Collision avoidance
  • OptiMine EnterpriseFree
    • Multi-site deployment
    • Custom integrations
    • Dedicated 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 OptiMine if

  • You need real-time tracking.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want production analytics.
OptiMine review

Questions people ask

Is FLAC3D or OptiMine better?
Neither clearly leads. FLAC3D starts at On request and OptiMine at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FLAC3D or OptiMine?
FLAC3D starts at On request and OptiMine at On request.
Does FLAC3D or OptiMine run on more platforms?
FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux. OptiMine runs on Web, Cloud.
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 OptiMine is typically brought in for.
What can FLAC3D do that OptiMine cannot?
FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. OptiMine covers Real-time tracking, Production analytics, Ventilation on demand, Collision avoidance. Both handle 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
OptiMine: What is OptiMine used for?

OptiMine is a modular information management suite for underground mining that integrates data from all equipment and people into a single source, providing real-time descriptive and predictive insights for production optimization and decision-making.

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
OptiMine: Does OptiMine work with non-Sandvik equipment?

Yes. OptiMine is OEM-agnostic and can integrate with any equipment system and technology, including non-Sandvik mining equipment and IoT devices like Newtrax systems.

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
OptiMine: What geographies is OptiMine deployed in?

OptiMine is deployed in more than 60 mines worldwide, making it a globally used solution for underground hard rock mining operations.

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
OptiMine: Does OptiMine offer an API for integrations?

OptiMine is designed as an open and scalable modular suite that can connect with any system and technology, but specific API documentation is not publicly available. Contact Sandvik directly for technical integration details.

Source
OptiMine: What are the typical implementation costs?

OptiMine has no publicly listed pricing. Enterprise customers must contact Sandvik's Mining and Rock Solutions division directly for custom quotes based on their specific implementation scope.

Source
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