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Mining · head to head

PCBC vs Vulcan

PCBC logo

PCBC

Mining

Pit optimisation and scheduling software

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vulcan logo

Vulcan

Mining

Industry-standard 3D mine planning and modeling software

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; Vulcan neither the Vulcan product page nor the Maptek store page shows a price, a licence term or a subscription length
  • They diverge on capability: PCBC covers Pit optimization, Vulcan covers Geological modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PCBC and Vulcan actually diverge.

Attributes where PCBC and Vulcan differ
AttributePCBCVulcan

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
  • Whittle
  • Vulcan

Only in Vulcan

  • Geological modeling
  • Block modeling
  • Mine design
  • Resource estimation
  • Production scheduling
  • Leapfrog
  • I-Site
  • SAP

Both cover

  • Surpac
  • MineSched
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

PCBC

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

Vulcan

  • Geological modelling, block modelling and resource estimationnot PCBC
  • Open pit and underground mine design and schedulingnot PCBC
  • Grade control and geotechnical analysis at operating minesnot 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

Vulcan

  • Neither the Vulcan product page nor the Maptek store page shows a price, a licence term or a subscription length
  • Vulcan is a base product extended by nine paid add on modules covering geology and estimation, open pit design, underground design, scheduling, grade control and geotechnics, so the entry licence does not cover a full workflow
  • Buying requires going through the Maptek store or contacting Maptek directly for a quote

Pricing, plan by plan

PCBC

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

Vulcan

On request
  • Vulcan Standard$8000/year
    • 3D modeling
    • Mine design
    • Block modeling
  • Vulcan Professional$15000/year
    • Advanced geostatistics
    • Resource estimation
    • Pit optimization
  • Vulcan Enterprise$25000/year
    • All modules
    • Custom solutions
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose PCBC if

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

Choose Vulcan if

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

Questions people ask

Is PCBC or Vulcan better?
Neither clearly leads. PCBC starts at On request and Vulcan at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PCBC or Vulcan?
PCBC starts at On request and Vulcan at On request.
Does PCBC or Vulcan 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 Vulcan is typically brought in for.
What can PCBC do that Vulcan cannot?
PCBC covers Pit optimization, Pushback scheduling, Cutoff grade analysis, NPV maximization. Vulcan covers Geological modeling, Block modeling, Mine design, Resource estimation. Both handle Surpac, 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
Vulcan: How do I purchase Vulcan software?

Vulcan can be purchased through Maptek's online store at store.maptek.com, or by contacting Maptek directly through their website contact form for assistance with licensing options.

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
Vulcan: What support resources are available for Vulcan users?

Maptek provides comprehensive support through their Help portal at help.maptek.com/vulcan/, customer support contact options, and a Maptek Account system for managing licenses and downloads.

Source
Vulcan: Can I work offline with Vulcan licenses?

Yes, Maptek Account includes "secure borrowing and fail-safe modes" that "support working from anywhere, including offline."

Source
Vulcan: What add-ons are available for Vulcan, and how do they expand functionality?

Vulcan offers specialized add-ons for geology, open pit/underground design, optimization, scheduling, grade control, geotechnical analysis, and drillhole optimization to support specific mining roles and operational tasks.

Source
Vulcan: Is training available for Vulcan users?

Maptek offers comprehensive training programs through multiple regional centers including Australia, North America, Europe, and Southern Africa, with both online and in-person options available.

Source
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