Mining waste impacts on the environment are related to the biophysical and spectral footprints changes in the waste disposal areas and resulting loss of land productivity, direct and indirect effects on different agroforest, urban and aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this paper was to evaluate and characterize selected hazardous waste disposal sites in Baia Mare region, Romania. Use of Landsat TM, ETM and IKONOS satellite data over 1989- 2007 period stressed land cover changes in some mining industry test areas. Accuracy of image processing results (mineralogical classification) was confirmed through ground sampling and analysis of reflectance spectra with portable GER 2600 spectroradiometer.