"We are pursuing the case with the state government and a decision is expected before the mining lease ends on July 25. Disinvestment of KIOCL will be taken up only after the lease matter is resolved," minister of state for steel Braja Kishore Tripathy told newspersons here on Wednesday.

The minister also said that a final decision will be taken on the divestment of 51 per cent equity in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) after a month. "One round of discussions have been held and the second round would be held next month with finance minister Yashwant Sinha," he said, adding that RINL workers' interests would be protected.

The Cabinet Committee on Disinvestment (CCD) has not taken up the matter of KIOCL disinvestment because the lease matter has not been resolved.

Regarding Tata Steel seeking a waiver of interest from the steel development fund (SDF) loan, the minister said that the matter would be examined and a decision taken as per the court ruling.

Asked whether the ministry was in favour of disinvestment of KIOCL up to 74 per cent in one year, Tripathi said the final decision would be taken in consultation with the state government and the ministry of disinvestment.He, however, refused to express any view on the issue.