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Mining & Resources · head to head

Promine vs FLAC3D

Promine logo

Promine

Mining & Resources

Complete mining software suite built on AutoCAD

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
F

FLAC3D

Mining & Resources

3D finite difference software for geotechnical engineering

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Promine requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership; FLAC3D the FLAC3D product page publishes no price and routes buyers to a quote request or an external software store
  • They diverge on capability: Promine covers AutoCAD integration, FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Promine and FLAC3D actually diverge.

Attributes where Promine and FLAC3D differ
AttributePromineFLAC3D
PlatformsWindowsWindows, Linux
Founded19931981

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

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 Promine

  • AutoCAD integration
  • Drill hole management
  • Block modeling
  • Underground planning
  • Ventilation design
  • Surpac
  • Excel
  • Database systems

Only in FLAC3D

  • 3D finite difference modeling
  • Stress-strain analysis
  • Dynamic analysis
  • Coupled flow analysis
  • Mining-specific features
  • GeoStudio
  • Python scripting
  • Linux support

Both cover

  • AutoCAD
  • Leapfrog
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Promine

  • Mine designnot FLAC3D
  • Geological modelingnot FLAC3D
  • Underground planningnot FLAC3D
  • Ventilation analysisnot FLAC3D

FLAC3D

  • Three dimensional continuum modelling of soil and rock behaviournot Promine
  • Analysing underground excavation and mine stability including cavingnot Promine
  • Coupled thermal, dynamic and creep analysis of geotechnical structuresnot Promine

Where each one falls short

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

Promine

  • Requires AutoCAD or BricsCAD license for use, adding to total cost of ownership
  • Limited standalone capability compared to all-in-one mining software

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Promine

On request
  • Promine Standard$3500/year
    • Drill hole management
    • Block modeling
    • Geological modeling
  • Promine Professional$6000/year
    • All Standard features
    • Underground planning
    • Ventilation analysis
  • Enterprise$15000/year
    • All modules included
    • Unlimited users
    • Priority support

FLAC3D

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Promine if

  • You need autocad integration.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want drill hole management.
Promine review

Choose FLAC3D if

  • You need 3d finite difference modeling.
  • You work on Windows, Linux.
  • You also want stress-strain analysis.
FLAC3D review

Questions people ask

Is Promine or FLAC3D better?
Neither clearly leads. Promine starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Promine or FLAC3D?
Promine starts at On request and FLAC3D at On request.
Does Promine or FLAC3D run on more platforms?
Promine runs on Windows. FLAC3D runs on Windows, Linux.
What is Promine best used for?
Promine is most often used for mine design, geological modeling, underground planning, ventilation analysis. Of those, mine design and geological modeling are not what FLAC3D is typically brought in for.
What can Promine do that FLAC3D cannot?
Promine covers AutoCAD integration, Drill hole management, Block modeling, Underground planning. FLAC3D covers 3D finite difference modeling, Stress-strain analysis, Dynamic analysis, Coupled flow analysis. Both handle AutoCAD, Leapfrog, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Promine: What CAD platforms does Promine support?

Promine is available as a plugin for AutoCAD and BricsCAD. It is supported on AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, and BricsCAD versions 2014 through the newest released versions.

Source
Promine: What file formats can Promine import?

Promine is compatible with files in .dxf, .dm, .txt and .csv formats, allowing integration with drawings from other mining software.

Source
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