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Mining · head to head

OptiMine vs UDEC

OptiMine logo

OptiMine

Mining

Underground mining optimization and analytics

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: OptiMine modular architecture requires selective implementation and configuration knowledge to build a complete solution; UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: OptiMine covers Real-time tracking, UDEC covers Distinct element modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OptiMine and UDEC actually diverge.

Attributes where OptiMine and UDEC differ
AttributeOptiMineUDEC
PlatformsWeb, CloudWindows, Linux
Founded20181981

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 OptiMine

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

Only in UDEC

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

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

OptiMine

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

UDEC

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

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

UDEC

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

Which should you pick?

Choose OptiMine if

  • You need real-time tracking.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want production analytics.
OptiMine 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 OptiMine or UDEC better?
Neither clearly leads. OptiMine 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, OptiMine or UDEC?
OptiMine starts at On request and UDEC at On request.
Does OptiMine or UDEC run on more platforms?
OptiMine runs on Web, Cloud. UDEC runs on Windows, Linux.
What is OptiMine best used for?
OptiMine is most often used for fleet tracking, production monitoring, safety optimization, maintenance planning. Of those, fleet tracking and production monitoring are not what UDEC is typically brought in for.
What can OptiMine do that UDEC cannot?
OptiMine covers Real-time tracking, Production analytics, Ventilation on demand, Collision avoidance. UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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
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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