Stakeholders are displaying increasing concern regarding such issues as biodiversity and violations of human rights related to, among others, the extraction of rare metals essential in the manufacture of electronics products. Stakeholders are also worried that certain minerals are being used to finance the activities of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries. In July 2010, the United States enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, one section of which relates to these "conflict minerals" and requires the disclosure of certain information by companies covered under the act regarding the extent to which they use the specified minerals originating in the DRC and neighboring countries and whether those minerals are conflict minerals.

Sony shares the concern that conflict minerals might be used in the electronics industry supply chain and is taking steps to eliminate conflict minerals from the supply chain. It is Sony policy to refrain from purchasing any products, parts and materials that are known to contain conflict minerals. Suppliers are also expected to ensure that products, parts and materials delivered to Sony do not contain conflict minerals. Sony is currently formulating an appropriate framework and measures to implement this policy.
Recognizing that these issues are common across the electronics industry, Sony is also participating in the creation of an industry-wide framework, an effort spearheaded by the EICC/GeSI, to improve traceability of minerals and ensure responsible sourcing.
In August 2011, Sony initiated a traceability of certain product categories using the EICC/GeSI and conflict minerals reporting template, as well as joint conflict-free smelter certification programs, as part of its on-going development of systems and measures to implement its policy against conflict minerals. The EICC/GeSI's Smelter List in below includes part of minerals' smelters identified through Sony's traceability processes.

Sony supports and contributes to industry initiatives such as the traceability project for tin launched in 2010 by ITRI, a tin industry organization, to validate that the metals used in its products are not contributing to conflict and come from sustainable sources.
Sony is also participating in and providing financial support to the Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade (PPA), a joint effort led by the U.S. government to support responsible mineral trade from the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa. The PPA supports measures to sever funding links between the minerals trade and armed groups in the DRC and its neighboring countries and has the objective of promoting economic support for local communities. This multi-stakeholder alliance comprises government agencies centering on the US State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), private-sector companies, industry groups and NGOs. Since its establishment, the PPA has supported the creation of a pilot supply chain management system that includes certifying conflict-free mines, that is, mines that engage in responsible trade practices. The PPA also provides a forum for discussions involving governments, industry and NGOs and extends useful information to companies via its website and other means. Through its participation in the alliance, Sony supports initiatives in producer countries.

With the aim of developing a framework for promoting effective supply chain management on conflict minerals the EICC/GeSI holds workshops for discussions periodically with NGOs, socially responsible investors, local government-related representatives and other stakeholders, in which Sony is also participating. Such workshops were held more than ten times in several countries/regions including Europe and North America.

In addition to EICC participation, Sony is promoting industry initiatives of JEITA (Japan Electronics Information Technology industries Association) as part of its effort to address CSR issues relating to mineral procurement. Sony has taken a initiative roles for establishment and leading of JEITA's workgroup for promoting, disseminating common framework to address the conflict minerals issues.

Initiatives on Paper Procurement
Sony recognizes the impact of illegal logging on biodiversity and considers responsible procurement to be an important part of fulfilling its responsibility to society as a corporate citizen. Sony takes environmental conservation into consideration, especially when purchasing paper materials, by adhering to the "Sony Group Paper/Printed Material Purchasing Policy".