At least one person has died and 12 remain trapped in a disused Colorado gold mine after an equipment failure, officials say.

The individuals who are part of a group of tourists are stuck near the bottom of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek.

"There is an elevator issue to resolve before they could be brought up," Sheriff Jason Mike told reporters.

The mine has been a tourist attraction for well over 50 years.

The hour-long tour takes visitors 1,000 ft (305m) down the shaft into the southwest side of Pikes Peak, according to the tour company’s website.

Emergency workers have already rescued 11 people. At least four have minor injuries.

Officials are in full communication with the 12 others who are stuck, Sheriff Mike said.

"They have chairs, blankets, water and are at a safe temperature," he said. "This was due to an equipment malfunction. The mine did not collapse. "

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said state resources had been allocated to assist with the rescue efforts.

“We will do everything possible and assist the county to ensure a speedy and safe resolution of the situation,” Governor Polis said.

According to the tour company’s website, entering the mine is comparable to riding in a lift.

The ride itself takes two minutes at a speed of 500 ft per minute (roughly 5 mph).