what to do with the billions

BHP, since it suspended it's share buyback in Dec, must be accumulating cash at an extraordinary rate. Marious made the comment at the release of the full year results in aug last year "we cannot consume all the cash we are generating". Based on the Dec half year results, I estimate spare cash at approx $2.2B for this half year. (if other Hot Copperites have better models that I do, I am happy to be corrected)

What uses could the cash be put to? Here are my suggestions
1. Increased dividend
2. share buyback
3. payment of debt
4. keep for a rainy day (borrow less for the $30B share buyback once RIO combines)

What else can people suggest and what would they like see done?

Me, I would go with 3, during this time of higher debt costs, having a lazy balance sheet may not be a bad thing

Horse