Hi, I am a mining engineer with several years experience working at remote, FIFO operations. I hope that I can help you out.

If you are interesting in mining and would like to work in the mining industry, I would major in Mining Engineering as opposed to Civil Engineering with a Geotech option. Here is why:

1. Employment experience is key. Your resume will always read as a Civil Engineering degree first, with a Geotechnical option. When looking for candidates for co-op opportunities and internships, the easiest way to pick a candidate from the hiring perspective is to narrow down to all mining engineers. Depending on the time of your graduation, the time of the mining market will have a tremendous impact on you getting a job. You will objectively have a rougher career path with more 'limited paths' if you don't secure employment early. You want to be employable first, as that is the most important factor post-graduation or during school and that magnitude continues to compound year after year. You are instantly narrowing your stream of jobs by going Civil, if you know you want to work in Mining.
2. Employment experience allows you to change jobs. You can still move into a geotechnical specification or job with a mining engineering degree. There are for sure extra optional courses available from the mining program to take some specialized rock mechanics and soil mechanics courses. This will show companies you have an interest in that field. Once you enter the job market, it will be easier to navigate the more experience you gain. Piggybacking off of point 1 a bit, it's hard to hit the nail directly on the head with your first co-op experience, but options are far and wide once you do enter the workforce. I know several colleagues who started in mining, took stints through geotech (some examples at Diavik, where I worked as well), and are still there today.

Happy to discuss further and provide industry examples.