This study develops a two-dimensional value–geological hazard susceptibility framework for the resilience-oriented conservation of Third Front industrial heritage. Heritage value is quantified using the AHP–TOPSIS method, while geological hazard susceptibility is predicted by coupling the Certainty Factor (CF) with Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and XGBoost models; model performance is evaluated using an independent test set. Using 24 Third Front industrial heritage sites in Lizhou District, Guangyuan City, as a case study, the research first classifies heritage value and assesses geological hazard susceptibility. The results indicate that CF–RF provides the most favorable overall performance among the three CF-coupled models, while hazard-site density generally increases with susceptibility class. Heritage value is then integrated with the CF–RF susceptibility results to construct a Value–Susceptibility Matrix. The 24 sites are classified into four groups—high value–high susceptibility, high value–low susceptibility, low value–high susceptibility, and low value–low susceptibility—comprising 4, 9, 5, and 6 sites, respectively. Differentiated pathways are proposed for these groups, including conservation under safety constraints, preventive conservation and adaptive reuse, limited intervention, and routine maintenance. By linking heritage value identification, geological hazard susceptibility assessment, and differentiated conservation strategies, the study provides a methodological reference for the sustainable conservation, adaptive reuse, and resilience management of Third Front industrial heritage in complex mountainous environments. The framework contributes to sustainability by supporting more efficient allocation of limited conservation resources, continued heritage use, and long-term adaptive management.

This study innovatively integrates the AHP-TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation method the Coefficient of Determination with model construct(CF)-Random Forest(RF) toadual dimensional "value-risk" assessment framework. This enables a systematic integrated evaluation of the value and geological hazard risks asso-ciated with industrial heritage sites from the Third Front Construction. Taking Lizhou District, Guangyuan City as a case study the research first identified through heritage value quantification and geological hazard zoning, sites “high-value” sites. Subsequently on five “high-risk” “high-value” heritage, and eight “low-risk”, four categories of conservation units were delineated based the “value-risk” matrix, proposing differentiated resilience enhancement pathways. This research not only provides a basis for the scientific conservation and adap-tive reuse of Third Front heritage in Lizhou District but also offers an operational theoretical and practical paradigm for the adaptive management of industrial her-itage in similar mountainous regions.

The industrial heritage of the Third Front construction (hereafter referred to as Third Front industrial heritage) serves as a significant physical manifestation of China’s urban society, economy, and culture during a unique historical period. Its widespread abandonment not only constitutes a waste of social resources but also accelerates the erosion of collective memory surrounding the Third Front initiative. As one of Sichuan Province’s (including present-day Chongqing) key Third Front construction regions during that era, Guangyuan City possesses a substantial legacy of Third Front industrial heritage sites. These sites are predominantly idle and face ongoing risks of deterioration, necessitating comprehensive and systematic research into their classification, protection, and regeneration. This paper focuses on 39 Third Front industrial heritage sites in Guangyuan City, employing architectural typology to construct a ‘type-medium-value’ research framework integrating field research with strategic distribution analysis at the urban level, spatial form analysis at the settlement level, and spatial combination analysis at the building level to quantitatively identify and qualitatively deconstruct the spatial logic of these sites. This enables the analysis of the functional characteristics, structural logic, and spatial intent embodied by different types, thereby exploring the multidimensional value implications of Third Front industrial heritage through this value medium. Ultimately, this research proposes targeted adaptive mechanisms and revitalisation pathways for Third Front industrial heritage. It aims to promote the cultural legacy of this heritage and perpetuate the Third Front spirit within the context of strengthening the Chinese national community consciousness in the new era, while aligning with the Party and state’s development strategies. This approach aims to provide a reference for revitalising and utilising Third Front industrial heritage in other underdeveloped regions.