Quick Overview
- 1#1: GEOVIA Surpac - Comprehensive geology and mine planning software for surface and underground operations across all commodities.
- 2#2: Maptek Vulcan - Advanced 3D modeling, mine design, and planning platform used by major global mining companies.
- 3#3: Deswik - Integrated suite for mine design, scheduling, and strategic planning with real-time collaboration features.
- 4#4: Hexagon MinePlan 3D - End-to-end 3D mine planning and engineering solution for resource modeling and production scheduling.
- 5#5: Micromine Origin - User-friendly geology, geostatistics, and mine planning software for exploration to production.
- 6#6: Leapfrog Geo - Implicit 3D geological modeling tool essential for accurate mine planning and design.
- 7#7: GEOVIA GEMS - Modular platform for resource estimation, block modeling, and mine design certification.
- 8#8: RPMGlobal Xpit - Strategic open pit mine optimizer for life-of-mine scheduling and value maximization.
- 9#9: Maptek Whittle - Strategic mine optimization software for pit limits, scheduling, and blending decisions.
- 10#10: Promine - CAD-integrated modules for mine planning, design, and geotechnical analysis.
Rigorous evaluation focused on key metrics: advanced functionality (including 3D modeling, scheduling, and collaboration tools), reliability, user-friendliness, and value delivery, ensuring each tool stands out for its ability to enhance productivity across the mine lifecycle.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading mine planning software tools, such as GEOVIA Surpac, Maptek Vulcan, Deswik, Hexagon MinePlan 3D, Micromine Origin, and others, to guide readers in evaluating features that align with their specific operational requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEOVIA Surpac Comprehensive geology and mine planning software for surface and underground operations across all commodities. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Maptek Vulcan Advanced 3D modeling, mine design, and planning platform used by major global mining companies. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deswik Integrated suite for mine design, scheduling, and strategic planning with real-time collaboration features. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Hexagon MinePlan 3D End-to-end 3D mine planning and engineering solution for resource modeling and production scheduling. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Micromine Origin User-friendly geology, geostatistics, and mine planning software for exploration to production. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Leapfrog Geo Implicit 3D geological modeling tool essential for accurate mine planning and design. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | GEOVIA GEMS Modular platform for resource estimation, block modeling, and mine design certification. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | RPMGlobal Xpit Strategic open pit mine optimizer for life-of-mine scheduling and value maximization. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Maptek Whittle Strategic mine optimization software for pit limits, scheduling, and blending decisions. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Promine CAD-integrated modules for mine planning, design, and geotechnical analysis. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive geology and mine planning software for surface and underground operations across all commodities.
Advanced 3D modeling, mine design, and planning platform used by major global mining companies.
Integrated suite for mine design, scheduling, and strategic planning with real-time collaboration features.
End-to-end 3D mine planning and engineering solution for resource modeling and production scheduling.
User-friendly geology, geostatistics, and mine planning software for exploration to production.
Implicit 3D geological modeling tool essential for accurate mine planning and design.
Modular platform for resource estimation, block modeling, and mine design certification.
Strategic open pit mine optimizer for life-of-mine scheduling and value maximization.
Strategic mine optimization software for pit limits, scheduling, and blending decisions.
CAD-integrated modules for mine planning, design, and geotechnical analysis.
GEOVIA Surpac
specializedComprehensive geology and mine planning software for surface and underground operations across all commodities.
Advanced dynamic block modeling with Stope Shape Optimizer for precise underground mine design and cut-off grade optimization
GEOVIA Surpac is a leading end-to-end mine planning software from Dassault Systèmes, designed for geological data management, 3D modeling, resource estimation, mine design, and production scheduling across open-pit and underground operations. It excels in handling complex deposits with advanced block modeling, grade control, and optimization tools, supporting multiple mining methods and commodities. Widely adopted by major mining companies worldwide, it integrates seamlessly with the GEOVIA suite for collaborative workflows and real-time decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive toolkit for geological modeling, pit/underground design, and scheduling with high accuracy
- Powerful scripting (Surpac Macro Language) for automation and customization
- Excellent integration with Leapfrog and other GEOVIA tools for seamless data flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- High resource demands on hardware for large datasets
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for smaller operations
Best For
Large-scale mining enterprises and consultancies needing robust, integrated solutions for complex mine planning and optimization.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model with annual subscriptions; pricing customized based on modules and users, typically starting at $10,000+ per seat/year (contact Dassault Systèmes for quotes).
Maptek Vulcan
specializedAdvanced 3D modeling, mine design, and planning platform used by major global mining companies.
Implicit geological modeling engine (via Vulcan Geology) for rapid, accurate creation of complex wireframe and block models from drillhole data
Maptek Vulcan is a leading 3D mine planning and geological modeling software suite used extensively in the mining industry for open-pit and underground operations. It provides end-to-end tools for resource estimation, pit and stope design, production scheduling, grade control, and advanced visualization. Vulcan excels in handling large datasets with implicit modeling, simulations, and integration of survey, drillhole, and production data to support data-driven decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive 3D modeling and visualization for complex geological structures
- Integrated modules for scheduling, optimization, and real-time grade control
- Strong support for both surface and underground mining workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set and scripting requirements
- High cost with premium pricing for full suite access
- Resource-heavy, demanding powerful hardware for optimal performance
Best For
Large-scale mining enterprises with complex, data-intensive operations needing advanced planning and optimization tools.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model with modular pricing; typically $20,000–$60,000+ per seat annually depending on modules and site scale.
Deswik
specializedIntegrated suite for mine design, scheduling, and strategic planning with real-time collaboration features.
Deswik.Sched's ultra-fast stochastic scheduling engine that evaluates millions of scenarios in seconds
Deswik is a comprehensive CAD-based mine planning software suite designed for both underground and open-pit mining operations. It integrates advanced tools for mine design, scheduling, drill and blast engineering, ventilation, and production tracking into a single platform. The software excels in handling complex datasets and automating workflows to optimize mine value extraction and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless integration of CAD design, scheduling, and optimization tools
- High-performance handling of large-scale mine models and stochastic scheduling
- Extensive automation scripting and customization capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost with complex licensing structure
- User interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Large-scale mining companies with complex underground or open-pit operations needing integrated end-to-end planning.
Pricing
Enterprise-level modular licensing; annual costs typically range from $50,000+ per seat or customized quotes for full suites.
Hexagon MinePlan 3D
enterpriseEnd-to-end 3D mine planning and engineering solution for resource modeling and production scheduling.
High-fidelity 3D engine for interactive manipulation of billion-block models in real-time
Hexagon MinePlan 3D is a powerful 3D visualization and modeling platform within the HxGN MinePlan suite, designed for comprehensive mine planning in both open-pit and underground operations. It excels in geological interpretation, block modeling, pit optimization, stope design, and production scheduling with high-performance graphics handling massive datasets. The software supports collaborative workflows and integrates with Hexagon's broader mining ecosystem for end-to-end planning.
Pros
- Superior 3D visualization and real-time interaction with large models
- Advanced tools for pit design, stope optimization, and scheduling
- Seamless integration with Hexagon's MinePlan suite and ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
- High licensing costs suitable mainly for large enterprises
- Limited out-of-the-box customization without scripting
Best For
Established mining companies with complex operations needing robust 3D modeling and enterprise integration.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing via custom quote; annual subscriptions typically range from $20,000+ per seat depending on modules and users.
Micromine Origin
specializedUser-friendly geology, geostatistics, and mine planning software for exploration to production.
Fully cloud-native architecture enabling real-time multi-user collaboration on 3D mine models
Micromine Origin is a cloud-native mining software platform that supports the full mine planning lifecycle, from geological modeling and resource estimation to pit design, scheduling, and production optimization. It integrates advanced 3D visualization, implicit modeling, and real-time collaboration tools to streamline workflows for mining professionals. Built for scalability, it enables teams to work seamlessly across locations without heavy hardware requirements.
Pros
- Integrated end-to-end workflow from exploration to production
- Cloud-based collaboration and real-time data sharing
- Powerful implicit modeling and pit optimization tools
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be high for small operations
- Dependent on reliable internet connectivity
- Steep learning curve for advanced scheduling features
Best For
Mid-sized mining companies and engineering teams needing scalable, collaborative cloud tools for efficient resource modeling and open-pit planning.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at approximately $600/user/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise licensing for larger deployments.
Leapfrog Geo
specializedImplicit 3D geological modeling tool essential for accurate mine planning and design.
Implicit modeling engine that automatically generates and updates geological surfaces from drill data without manual wireframing
Leapfrog Geo, developed by Seequent (now part of Bentley Systems), is a powerful 3D geological modeling software primarily used in mining to create dynamic implicit models from drillhole data, structural measurements, and geophysical inputs. It excels in visualizing complex geology such as faults, folds, veins, and ore bodies, providing a foundation for resource estimation and early-stage mine planning. While not a full mine planning suite, it integrates with tools like Leapfrog Edge for pit design and optimization, making it essential in mining workflows.
Pros
- Rapid implicit geological modeling with real-time updates
- Superior 3D visualization and interrogation tools
- Strong integration with drillhole databases and other Seequent/Bentley products
Cons
- Limited native support for advanced mine planning like scheduling or haulage
- Steep learning curve for non-geologists
- High licensing costs for smaller operations
Best For
Mining geologists and exploration teams requiring accurate 3D geological models to inform resource evaluation and preliminary mine design.
Pricing
Annual subscription pricing starts around $15,000-$25,000 per user, with enterprise licensing available upon request; contact Seequent for quotes.
GEOVIA GEMS
specializedModular platform for resource estimation, block modeling, and mine design certification.
Its industry-leading relational GEMS database for efficient storage, querying, and manipulation of extensive drillhole and assay data
GEOVIA GEMS, developed by Dassault Systèmes (3ds.com), is a robust mine planning software suite specializing in geological modeling, resource estimation, and strategic mine design for both open-pit and underground operations. It excels in 3D visualization, geostatistical analysis, block modeling, pit optimization, and production scheduling, leveraging a powerful relational database for managing drillhole data and assays. Widely adopted in large-scale mining, it integrates seamlessly with other GEOVIA tools like Surpac and Whittle for end-to-end workflows from exploration to production.
Pros
- Advanced geostatistical tools for accurate resource estimation
- Comprehensive relational database for handling massive geological datasets
- Strong integration with Dassault Systèmes ecosystem for holistic mine planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex scripting and interface
- Dated user interface compared to modern competitors
- High licensing costs limit accessibility for smaller operations
Best For
Large-scale mining enterprises with complex geology needing precise modeling and enterprise-grade data management.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model with custom quotes; typically $50,000+ annually per seat, scaling with modules and users.
RPMGlobal Xpit
specializedStrategic open pit mine optimizer for life-of-mine scheduling and value maximization.
Patented Nested Nested Pit (NNPit) algorithm for superior multi-period optimization under uncertainty
RPMGlobal XPit is a specialized mine planning software focused on open-pit optimization, scheduling, and design for large-scale mining operations. It leverages advanced algorithms for pit optimization, production scheduling, haulage analysis, and reserve estimation, enabling detailed scenario modeling. The tool integrates seamlessly with other RPMGlobal solutions like XER for financial analysis, supporting end-to-end strategic mine planning.
Pros
- Powerful multi-period and stochastic optimization algorithms
- Handles massive datasets for complex, large-scale pits
- Strong integration with RPMGlobal's ecosystem for comprehensive workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- Primarily optimized for open-pit, limited underground capabilities
- High cost may deter smaller mining operations
Best For
Large open-pit mining companies needing advanced optimization and scheduling for strategic planning.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing via custom quote, typically $50,000+ annually based on modules, users, and scale.
Maptek Whittle
specializedStrategic mine optimization software for pit limits, scheduling, and blending decisions.
Lexstep parametric optimization for rapid evaluation of dynamic revenue factors and cut-off grades
Maptek Whittle is a leading strategic mine optimization software designed for open-pit mining, utilizing advanced algorithms like Lerchs-Grossmann to determine ultimate pit limits and nested pushbacks for maximum net present value (NPV). It supports comprehensive scenario analysis, multi-phase scheduling, dynamic cut-off grades, and integration with Maptek Vulcan for detailed geological modeling and design. Whittle enables mine planners to evaluate complex economic trade-offs, including haulage, stockpiling, and blending constraints, to create optimized life-of-mine plans.
Pros
- Superior optimization algorithms for pit design and scheduling
- Robust scenario testing and multi-objective analysis
- Seamless integration with Maptek Vulcan for end-to-end workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring mining expertise
- High licensing costs for full functionality
- Primarily strategic; limited tactical/operational scheduling depth
Best For
Large open-pit mining operations focused on strategic long-term optimization and NPV maximization.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing via custom quote; typically $40,000–$100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and scale.
Promine
specializedCAD-integrated modules for mine planning, design, and geotechnical analysis.
Proprietary mining-optimized CAD engine enabling 3D design, modeling, and analysis in one unified environment
Promine is a comprehensive CAD-based software suite tailored for mine planning, design, and operations, primarily targeting underground and open-pit mining. It offers over 30 integrated modules covering geology, stope design, ventilation, scheduling, and production management. The platform streamlines workflows by combining familiar AutoCAD tools with mining-specific functionalities for efficient 3D modeling and analysis.
Pros
- Extensive library of 30+ specialized mining modules for end-to-end planning
- Seamless CAD integration familiar to engineering users
- Strong capabilities in underground stope design and optimization
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-CAD users
- Modular pricing can become expensive for full access
- Limited advanced AI/ML features compared to top competitors
Best For
Underground mining engineers and planners needing CAD-integrated tools for detailed design and scheduling.
Pricing
Modular licensing with perpetual or subscription options; starts at ~$5,000/module annually (contact for custom quotes).
Conclusion
The top 10 mine planning tools present a range of innovative solutions, with GEOVIA Surpac emerging as the clear leader due to its all-encompassing geology and planning capabilities for diverse operations. Maptek Vulcan, a close second, impresses with advanced 3D modeling trusted by global industry giants, while Deswik rounds out the top three with its strong focus on integrated scheduling and real-time collaboration.
For teams seeking a robust, end-to-end solution, GEOVIA Surpac sets the standard—explore its features to elevate your mine planning efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison