city, north-central Kazakhstan, about 75 miles (120 km) west of Lake Tengiz. Settlement of the site began in 1956 in connection with the exploitation of the Torghay bauxite deposits, and it became a city in 1965. Arqalyq is linked to the Astana-Tobyl railway by a branch line from Yesil. In the late 20th century a major construction program was under way to provide the city with various urban amenities. Pop. (1991 est.) 64,900.