If you work in mining, resource engineering, or geology and are involved in planning surface or underground mines, then MinePlan 3D is a high-end software worth knowing. It’s a comprehensive mine planning and design tool that allows engineers and geologists to model, visualise and optimise mining operations in 3D. 3DQuickForm for SolidWorks Free Download
Overview
MinePlan 3D (previously known under the name “MineSight”) is part of the suite from Hexagon Mining. It supports workflows from exploration to production and reclamation, offering strong modelling, design, and scheduling capabilities. The software allows professionals to import survey and geological data, build terrain and block models, design pits or underground mine layouts, and simulate mining sequences.
In practical terms, MinePlan 3D helps teams reduce manual drafting, improve accuracy of mine designs, and coordinate between geology, design, and production departments. For example, it might allow a mining engineer to adjust pit slopes and instantly see the effect on volumes, ore/waste mix and haulage paths.
Features
• 3D Modelling & Visualisation: Build detailed geological solids, open pit shapes, underground layouts and display them in 3D to aid design decisions.
• Block Model Integration: Manage large block models, control access, and maintain audit trails — important for data integrity in large resource projects.
• Terrain & Earth-Moving Design: Create surfaces, ramps, benches, haulage paths and simulate changes over time across a mine-life model.
• Data Interoperability: Import drilling, geologic, survey and production data from various sources and link them in your 3D model.
• Advanced Outputs & Reporting: Produce plans, sections, volumes and support decision-making with visual tools and reports.
• MineLife/Production Planning Link-up: Connect long-term strategic plans with tactical short-term designs so that insights propagate through the mine lifecycle.
Technical Setup Details
Software Name: MinePlan 3D (formerly MineSight)
Developer: Hexagon Mining
Software Type: Mining planning, modelling and design software
Version: (Example) 2024 Release 2 (for illustration)
Installation: Process typically involves deploying the software on a compatible workstation, importing your data, configuring project settings and starting your 3D model build.
Usage Context: Usually used by mining companies, consultants, academic institutions and resource engineers working on surface or underground mining projects.
System Requirements
Because this is a professional mining design tool, system requirements are higher:
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) recommended
- Processor: Modern multi-core CPU (for large models and 3D visualisation)
- RAM: Minimum 16 GB suggested; 32 GB or more if you handle very large data sets
- Storage: Several tens of GB free for installation, data sets and caching
- Graphics: Dedicated GPU capable of 3D rendering; large block model and terrain visualisations demand good graphics performance
- Additional Notes: Large mining projects with detailed geology or many pits/ramps will benefit from high disk I/O, fast drives (SSD) and high memory.
MinePlan 3D Free Download
While MinePlan 3D is a commercial, professional-grade software suite, you may find trial versions, educational licences, or limited-function downloads offered by the developer or associated academic programmes. Such access allows you to test core features, evaluate workflow fit, and explore whether the tool meets your project needs.
