Zhezqazghan

Zhezqazghan, city, central Kazakhstan. It is located on a reservoir of the Kenggir (Kara-Kengir) River.

The city was created in 1938 in connection with exploitation of the rich local copper deposits. In 1973 a large mining and metallurgical complex was constructed to the southeast to smelt the copper that until then had been sent elsewhere for processing. The city has a rail link with Qaraghandy to the northeast. Its urban area includes the neighbouring mining town of Satpayev. Pop. (2009) 86,227; (2012 est.) 85,189.