BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have been going through a rough period.
The mining giant's shares last traded at $51.96, which is about 12.5% below the record high of $59.39 reached at the start of March.
After a pullback like that, many investors are likely to be wondering if this is an opportunity to buy, or a signal to stay away?
In my view, investing $5,000 in BHP shares today could make a lot of sense as part of a diversified portfolio.
Image source: Getty Images
Copper is becoming the centrepiece
For many years BHP was best known as an iron ore powerhouse. That is still an important part of the business, but the company's strategic focus is increasingly shifting toward copper.
That shift matters because copper demand is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades. The metal plays a critical role in electrification, renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and power grids.
In other words, copper sits right in the middle of many of the biggest structural trends shaping the global economy.
BHP already owns some of the world's most significant copper assets, including operations in Chile and its stake in the Antamina mine in Peru. That mine alone produced over 124,000 tonnes of copper on a BHP-attributable basis in 2025.
With supply expected to tighten in the years ahead, companies with large, long-life copper resources could be well positioned to benefit.
A mining giant with scale and diversification
Another reason BHP appeals to me as a long-term investment is the scale and diversification of its portfolio.
The company has major operations across iron ore, copper, coal, and potash. While commodity prices inevitably move in cycles, that diversification can help smooth earnings over time.
BHP also has a reputation for disciplined capital allocation. A recent example is its decision to unlock value from the Antamina mine through a silver streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE: WPM).
Under the deal, BHP will receive an upfront payment of US$4.3 billion in exchange for a share of future silver production from the mine.
Because silver is a by-product at Antamina, this transaction effectively allows BHP to monetise a non-core commodity while retaining exposure to the mine's copper, zinc, and lead output.
Moves like this highlight how management continues to optimise the company's portfolio.
A reliable dividend payer
Income investors also tend to be drawn to BHP.
Mining dividends can fluctuate depending on commodity prices, but BHP has historically been one of the strongest dividend payers on the Australian share market.
That combination of large-scale assets, strong cash flow generation, and disciplined capital management has allowed the company to return substantial amounts of capital to shareholders over time.
For investors building a portfolio designed to generate both income and long-term growth, I think BHP can play an important role.
Foolish takeaway
Commodity companies will always experience ups and downs. Share prices can move with swings in iron ore prices, copper demand, or broader market sentiment.
But when I look at BHP today, I see a diversified global miner with world-class assets and increasing exposure to copper, one of the most important commodities for the energy transition.
With the share price sitting well below recent highs, I think investing $5,000 in BHP shares today could be a sensible move for investors thinking about the long term.
