Using LANDSAT data for different years between 1973 and 1983, vegetation change maps were produced for two areas in the vicinity of Inco's mining complexes. Field checking showed that for more than 80 per cent of the sites inspected, causes for the vegetation changes recorded on the maps could be determined. The system used provides a cost-effective method of monitoring major vegetation changes over a number of years, but it is not suitable for monitoring slow, progressive, vegetation changes over short periods.