In truth, no one, absolutely no one can answer this question...

In truth, no one, absolutely no one can answer this question with any degree of accuracy.

If investors bought BHP eleven years ago, they purchased when the iron ore price was $28.11. Supply was a fraction of today's rate and BHP's share price was about the same as it is today (poor old long term investors haven't made any money).

If investors bought BHP eight years ago in 2008, iron price was about the same as it is today. Supply was a fraction of today's rate and they would have paid over $40 for one share . Sold today, they have lost a lot of money (poor old long term investors strike out again).

The only common factor here is "poor old long term investors haven't made any money".

To have avoided losing money in BHP over the past 15 or so years, it really would have depended on your timing. That means trading and that means luck.

On the other hand, if you have been involved in the upper management of this company for those same periods of time, you have literally made buckets of cash. My advice is: if you want to make money in BHP, forget buying shares and try to land one of those upper management jobs. Even over the short to medium term, there is no risk, no worry, and guaranteed great returns. Bit like winning the lottery really...