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Mining · head to head

PCBC vs Surpac

PCBC logo

PCBC

Mining

Pit optimisation and scheduling software

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: 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; 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: PCBC covers Pit optimization, Surpac covers Geological database.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PCBC and Surpac actually diverge.

Attributes where PCBC and Surpac differ
AttributePCBCSurpac

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), platforms (Windows), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining), founded (1981).

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 PCBC

  • Pit optimization
  • Pushback scheduling
  • Cutoff grade analysis
  • NPV maximization
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Surpac
  • Vulcan

Only in Surpac

  • Geological database
  • Block modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Workflow automation
  • PCBC
  • GEMS
  • 3DEXPERIENCE

Both cover

  • Whittle
  • MineSched
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

PCBC

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

Surpac

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

PCBC

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

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 PCBC if

  • You need pit optimization.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want pushback scheduling.
PCBC review

Choose Surpac if

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

Questions people ask

Is PCBC or Surpac better?
Neither clearly leads. PCBC 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, PCBC or Surpac?
PCBC starts at On request and Surpac at On request.
Does PCBC or Surpac run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is PCBC best used for?
PCBC is most often used for pit optimization, pushback design, cutoff optimization, economic analysis. Of those, pit optimization and pushback design are not what Surpac is typically brought in for.
What can PCBC do that Surpac cannot?
PCBC covers Pit optimization, Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization. Surpac covers Geological database, Block modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation. Both handle Whittle, MineSched, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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
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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