Which of the following is a benefit of effective drainage control?

Effective drainage control is crucial in mining operations, primarily due to its direct impact on safety. Preventing flooding in mining sites mitigates the risk of accidents and injuries to workers, as water accumulation can lead to unstable ground conditions, equipment failure, and hazardous environments. By ensuring that excess water is effectively managed, mining operations can maintain stable working conditions, reduce the likelihood of landslides, and provide a safer environment for personnel.

While the other options recognize various aspects that can affect mining, they do not directly address the immediate and critical benefits linked to effective drainage control. Increased mineral prices may result from market demand rather than drainage management, higher extraction rates can be tied to many factors including technology and mineral availability, and workforce numbers are influenced by operational efficiency and economic conditions rather than directly through drainage practices. Therefore, improved safety through effective drainage is the most direct and significant benefit in this context.