I read project readme, checked client side and server side configurations, and no such feature exists - YES

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
I want to have mine with weapons off, but some things that I use to mine are considered weapons. Specifically axes, but I believe that some mods add weapons that are also used for mining.

Describe the solution you'd like
I believe that having the ability to configure hotbar slots to ignore "Mine with weapons - No" would be the best way to solve this issue.

Describe alternatives you've considered
Another option is to add another blacklist to the client config, like the Swing thru grass blacklist, except for Mine with weapons.

This suggestion would not fit the project vision as is, sorry.

I don't quite understand how more configuration doesn't fit the project, especially since there is already configuration for a different setting.

Upon further consideration I do agree that this might worth some investigation.
The blacklist approach could work, but the hotbar specific behaviour definitely not.
Unfortunately currently I am very busy, Better Combat won't receive functional updates soon.

Will be published with next release.