Abstract Visible to short-wave infrared (0.4–2.5 mm) spectral reflectance data were effective for mapping mineral assemblages on the surfaces of mine waste piles at the Elizabeth mine, Vermont. Three major assemblages displayed characteristic spectral features associated with jarosite, iron oxides, and muscovite, respectively, and were readily distinguishable in both ground-based and remote sensing spectral measurements. Jarosite distributions on the Elizabeth mine tailings are largely controlled by hydrologic and topographic factors that do not necessarily reflect the underlying sulfide mineral distributions. Flat-lying areas on the tailings piles are surfaced by an oxidized layer of mainly goethitic wastes. Iron oxides also occurred in distinct zones fringing areas of jarositic waste. Relatively wet conditions at the time of our study precluded any extensive development of efflorescent iron sulfate minerals on the mine waste piles.