Aluminum is simultaneously a process impurity and a potential secondary resource in hydrometallurgical treatment of nickel–cobalt laterites. The principal engineering problem is not simply removing dissolved aluminum but doing so without unacceptable nickel and cobalt losses, excessive neutralizing-agent consumption, or poorly manageable residues. This critical review examines ore mineralogy, acid leaching, aluminum complexation and hydrolysis, hydroxide precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, membrane-assisted separations, and possible aluminum products. A thematic synthesis of a supplied bibliography of 145 records is used to compare thermodynamic feasibility with kinetic and operational constraints; because the compilation contains unverified metadata and heterogeneous evidence, no pooled recovery or cost estimate is claimed. The analysis identifies controlled neutralization as an established reference route whose selectivity depends on feed composition and solids management, while organic and adsorptive alternatives require more rigorous demonstrations with authentic laterite liquors. Aluminum valorization is justified only after specification-driven impurity control and a transparent water, reagent, residue, and energy balance. An integrated decision framework is proposed to guide comparative testing and process design.