State-run steel maker Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL) is looking at swapping two coal blocks in Jharkhand with other such reserves, citing difficulties in developing the mines to meet its growing raw material needs.

Also, the firm is considering forming joint ventures with state mineral entities to mine iron ore and feed its expanding production line.

"RINL has proposed to surrender Mahal and Tenughat-Jhirki coal blocks in Jharkhand as these mines are very difficult to mine. It has sought two new blocks in the region in lieu of these blocks," a top steel ministry official told PTI.

The company has already sent the proposal to the steel ministry which is expected to forward the request to the coal ministry for replacing the mines with other such rich reserves.