Metallurgy & minerals processing
MaximaLabs vs SysCAD
A browser-native, AI-assisted alternative for minerals and hydrometallurgy process modeling — no desktop install, no seat license.
SysCAD is a capable steady-state and dynamic metallurgical/minerals simulator, widely used in mining. Like the rest of that category it's desktop-installed and seat-licensed, with no web, collaboration, or AI copilot. MaximaLabs covers the hydrometallurgy workflow — leach, solvent extraction, electrolysis, crystallization, metal/scale speciation — in the browser, with AI-generated flowsheets and live sharing.
An honest comparison
Where SysCAD is genuinely stronger
- Mature minerals-processing and metallurgical unit-op library with a strong mining user base
- Established dynamic minerals-circuit modeling and plant-audit workflows
Where MaximaLabs wins
- Zero-install browser access, usage-based pricing, live multiplayer
- AI copilot + plain-English error diagnostics
- Integrated electrolyte/scale chemistry (Pitzer, metal speciation) for leach/recovery circuits
- Aimed at the fast-growing battery-metals and lithium verticals
The honest positioning
Being straight about the wedge is the point.
A modern, collaborative alternative for hydrometallurgy and minerals process design — strongest where the vertical is new (critical minerals, battery recycling) and the value is speed, AI, and sharing.